Do We Promote Change?

I prayed for breakthrough - like mega breakthrough - in my life in 2024. The crazy thing was, I didn't know what that meant. I honestly still don't. I just knew (and still know) that I need a remake.

In nearly 3 months I feel like I've already gone through the ringer. Which makes me wonder what Q2 holds.

I've noticed others working through a refining process as well. Honestly, it's probably just that I'm more acutely aware of it, being that I'm in the middle of that season myself.

And so, being the over-analytical and overthinking person that I am, I began to analyze a few things.

Observation 1) I've realized that changing is not only painful internally (it's agreeing that parts of us need to go, or move in that which wasn't there), but it's also excruciatingly challenging to change externally.

People could see you're different. They'll compare you to the past "you" and start to make all the typical comments:

"Oh ... NOW you decide to change_____"

"Yeah we'll see how long _____ lasts"

"You'll always be _____ so don't think this changes that about you"

etc. etc. etc.

Now, while that could happen, here's the deal, it's not nearly as bad as we make it out to be in our minds.

I've had to come to terms with the fact that these are internal fears - fear of man, specifically - that pound within my head deterring me from changing... but they aren't true. (while emotions are valid and can't be overlooked, they also need to be measured against fact and kept in check... rabbit trail, sorry.)

Now, as you've gathered from my emails, I'm a firm believer that WE can't change people. Full stop.

That's Christ's department.

Observation 2) But we can proactively change how WE live. That's within our scope of control.

So I then started to wonder.

Am I someone that people feel comfortable making changes around?

Am I someone who genuinely supports growth, change, and improvement in the lives of those around me?

Observation 3) Positive reinforcement, or simply encouragement, is actually powerful in solidifying change. It's a simple way to help lock something in.

Observation 4) Being in a refining phase has me feeling a bit vulnerable, insecure, and slightly overwhelmed - to be blunt.

Key Thought 1) And so, in light of these observations, I'm wondering how I can do better at supporting growth, improvement, and change in my friends and family around me who might just possibly feel the same way internally (observation 4).

Key Thought 2) What would it look like if they were excited to make a change, when they were made aware of the need to, because they knew I would excitedly support them and cheer them on?

I have friends like this, who excitedly support and cheer me on - and I'm so grateful.

How can I be that to others in the way that I live my daily life?

I think it's pretty simple. Not easy, but simple. I need Jesus 🙃

It's going to take a conscious effort to be encouraging and uplifting in all my interactions. And to be consistent, and diligent in doing so.

And I think the reward will be quite worth it.

Hopefully exposing this little thought process will prove to be somewhat encouraging to you.

Excited for where you're at in life, friend - God has big things in store for you!

Feel free to reply to the questions in the Weekly Recap, I'd love to hear from you!