Hey Laura, What...?

About 2 years ago, I began listening to someone’s well-meaning but totally off-base critique of my parenting choices, taking things to heart that were simply not true.

This voice was one of legitimately caring concern. But it posed as wisdom when its actual root was fear and misunderstanding. It very, very subtly undermined my confidence and slowly shut my heart down. I lost my footing, became ungrounded, and felt totally adrift.

We do things differently, my little family and I. And not many people get us. I allowed someone’s ignorance of our Way misguide and nearly derail me. It was a close call. We all suffered for it and are all healing from it now.

I’m actually in therapy for this. A wacky and wonderful (and demanding and deep) type of therapy totally suited to my needs. My kids are having regular cranial-sacral adjustments that are bringing them back around to where they need to be. We are doing well.

We survived.

I just wanted to tell you this because there may be voices in your life that you are giving too much authority to. Voices that are dragging you down instead of lifting you up. Voices steeped in fear instead of faith. They may be from friends whose path has diverged from yours; from family whose perspective is skewed; they may even be coming from inside your head.

Don’t listen to those voices.

Ask for help. Get new friends. Tell your family you need some distance. Do not listen to the clamor of lies.

Truth can be difficult to hear. It can cut like a knife. But it will do more straightening in your mind than twisting up. The things Truth will slice in you are things that need to be surgically removed. Truth does not attempt to motivate with fear, or condemnation, or guilt, or shame, or a sense of isolation.

Truth will set your heart free.

So guard your heart against those voices who would tell you lies about yourself and your self worth. Cultivate relationships that value Truth and the unique way in which you are following the Way.