"You can come out from hiding! Your sins are forgiven. Let God's Grace fill your life with joy."
July is noted for fireworks and that's one reason my mind has turned to "fireworks" for July's blog. The phrase, "Blow Your Stack" has been around for as long as I can remember. In this writing, I want to share my interpretation of what it means to me... and maybe you, as well.
"Blow Your Stack" was something I learned very early in my life. When I and my siblings had done things that really "ticked-off" my Mom, we experienced the consequences from her that followed. WOW! Talk about "BLOWING YOUR STACK"-- my Mom was the best at it! With that picture in mind, have you ever had someone push you to "BLOW YOUR STACK"?
I believe all of us, yes YOU TOO, have been victims of repeated offenses that made you want to get into the pert's face and vent all of your frustration. The fact is, our anger can wreak havoc far worse than the wrong that inspired it. Instead of "BLOWING YOUR STACK" apply Grace, Messy Grace.
I am not naïve enough to believe that most of you have not "BLOWN YOUR STACK" at some encountered with a boss, a spouse, a co-worker, or a misbehaving child. So, here's a tip I have learned to implement when my fuse is about to blow. I thank God for His GRACE and “LOCK MY LIPS"! Easier said than done? Absolutely! Do it anyway! In the end, you'll be glad you did. (My husband, now deceased, was THE BEST at locking his lips.)
Here are my suggestions when we are approaching the "stack blowing" moments in our lives. Do you remember that slogan from some years ago, WHAT WOULD JESUS DO? (WWJD). That should cause us to control acting quickly out of anger, frustration, and deep hurts. With that said, think about this. A violent battle is raging around us twenty-four hours a day. It's the battle for our minds that Satan imposes on our lives.
The battle for control always starts in our minds...God's Word tells us to "take every thought captive to obey Christ." The fact is, your "mind" doesn't always "mind". (Did you get that?) Your mind can hoard rebellion. So, we must take it captive and act as children of God, not children controlled by Satan.
If we truly understand the Grace we have been given, in the midst of our sin, we will apply Grace to other's action toward us. Recognizing my own sin, I have learned to apply "Messy Grace" when I am provoked. I recommend the book “Messy Grace" by Caleb Kaltenback for your next reading project. You won't be disappointed! (Write a comment in my blog about it afterwards.)
THAT'S IT FOR JULY. MAY SPARKS OF BLESSINGS FLY HIGH ON YOUR JULY 4TH CELEBRATION!
[Above all, maintain constant love for one another, since love covers a multitude of sins-1 Peter 4:8]