Serenity–the Secret to Finding Confidence

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“Stay on the sidewalk,” the father told his toddler as she proudly waddled her way onto the grass toward the traffic I was sitting in. I halted to a complete stop, nervous that she would keep coming, but her daddy was watching her closely and quickly came to scoop her up when she giggled and increased her speed in disobedience to his words, “no, no, honey, come back here.” I had to chuckle at her screaming with frustration in his arms as he calmly continued on his way. I’ve been there, done that.

serenity prayerMonday night I am going to talk with some ladies who have recently served time in Barnstable County Jail House. I don’t know their stories yet, but I am not afraid to assume that long before they broke any law their heart was broken.

Hurting people hurt people.

Some of us are hurt when we don’t get our way–like the little girl who just wanted to enjoy her new mobility. We may respond like she did: “Don’t tell me I can’t do this! I’ll show you.” As we run into dangerous areas. Or we may succumb to the restrictions put on us and never really become independent.

Unfortunately, some of our hurts and frustrations are more severe–like emotional, sexual, and physical abuse or neglect–and our response may be to kick and scream and hurt others. Or it may be to shut down our spirit and trust no one.

We respond to life’s challenges according to our personality. I believe that the key to overcoming the pain we have endured and finding the confidence to go on is in understanding our response and that the secret to experiencing true healing is found in the age-old Serenity Prayer.

Maybe you, like the little girl constrained in her daddy’s arms–or girls once in jail–want to get back on the right path and walk on your own again. Breaking free isn’t easy, but it is as simple as asking your Father to put you back down and then listening for His direction as you try again.

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Catrina Welch is an inspirational author and speaker whose personal experience with rejection, betrayal and loss–as well as her expertise as a cosmetologist, image consultant and Biblical life-coach–is empowering women to BE and LET BE.

Her latest book, CONFIDENT BEAUTY: Reflecting the One Who Made You, with the Images in your Mirror and in your Soul, is now available in your favorite bookstores. Autographed copies of all her books are available on her website at www.CatrinaWelch.com

 


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