How to Deal with Unwelcome Opinions

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Summer time is almost over. Back to School can be a happy as well as an anxious time for parents and kids alike. Much has been said about bullying among kids but parents suffer the same pressure. 
One feels pressured because they do not homeschool. Others may feel pressure because they do. Mothers feel pressured because their kid is still not potty trained or is not playing sports like everyone else and the list goes on. 
I think that this is a great time for reflection and change. If you feel pressured, it's important to know what are your fundamental reasons to do what you have chosen to do. We chose school and we often talk about our choice as we pray that God will bless our kids in their academic journey (we're big believers of prevenient prayers of faith).
If you are pressuring someone, please stop. Not everyone is supposed to make the choices you made in life. God didn't create clones, so be understanding of other people's diversity of choices. I know you are passionate about the choice you made for your family but do know that at the end of time, you will not give account for anybody else but yourself. It's wise to only give your opinion when specifically and directly asked about a subject.
When feeling pressured, it's wise to speak up. For example, I have a lot of well meaning people who really want me to have a VBAC. If the person keeps preaching the same thing over and over (out of eagerness and excitement of course), I have learned to politely tell them that's not the choice we made for our family. 
I believe it's important to be respectful of the way God created us as well as our individuality. I am praying that God will help me be an encourager, anyone can be a critic. What mothers (and fathers) need the most are people who will encourage them, pray for them and rejoice with them. It is my heart to be one of those people. I'm in no ways perfect but it is my goal to be an encourager and not a critic. In a world full of critics, encouragers shine like the brightest stars.

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up
just as in fact you are doing." 
I Thes. 5:11
Unknown said...

good word..... The Lord has been speaking to me about not being "that" person you speak of. I get so passionate and just assume that my way will work for all.....*smh* so thank you for this.

Cintia Listenbee said...

What an incredibly humble comment! I pray that God will continue to bless you for listening to His voice!