Knowing When to Stand Up for Yourself
When she speaks, her words are wise, and kindness is the rule for everything she says.
—Proverbs 31:26 AMPC
I remember when I was first started dating my husband I wanted so much to have him like me so I just went along to get along. I continued in this pattern early on in my marriage which was a terrible mistake. What I soon discovered is that most times my husband really didn’t care about the details, unlike me, who in totally into the details and they matter.
My husband enjoyed just being in the moment celebrating time together. He is a big picture kind of guy. He would always pick up I was frustrated and miserable, but when he asked if everything was alright, I would respond I that I was fine. I allowed fear and insecurity to keep me from being able to freely express what I truly was feeling inside. God bless my husband for sticking with me and showering me with affirmation and validation.
Many times we believe the lie that it seems easier to go with the flow to avoid the possibility of conflict, but the truth is, this oftenleads to stress and anxiety, and ultimately increase our insecurity and low self-worth. It is time to know when to stand up and be true to yourself.
History is filled with stories of people who knew when it was time to take a stand for what is right and changed history because of it. People like Rosa Parks, a black seamstress, who was required by law to give up her seat on the bus and let a white man have it. Her refusal to give up her seat spurred the civil rights movement in the United States. She followed her heart and knew it was time to make a stand and the results of her bold actions are still making a difference today.
You might be used to change history, but if not, you can at least be someone who changes your own history. Learning to know when and how to stand up for yourself will help you to fulfill your destiny. It allows you to discover your passions and embrace your unique characteristics. Bottom line, it allows you to be free.
If you have a history of not speaking up or just going along to get along, then take the first step toward letting your voice be heard. Begin to speak truly, deal truly and live truly.
Rather, let our lives lovingly express truth [in all things, speaking truly, dealing truly, living truly]. Enfolded in love, let us grow up in every way and in all things into Him Who is the Head, [even] Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).—Ephesians 4:15 AMPC
Every day we make dozens decisions that either allow us to embrace our purpose and benefit others, or keep us in the pit of insecurity and despair. Maybe you have had a painful past. I have good news for you, it doesn’t have to be your destiny—you can take a stand against the wrong behavior of other people who have harmed you. You no longer have to feel like a helpless victim. Instead you can be empowered by God’s Word and know that you are in Christ, you are a new creation; the old has passed away, and see, the new has come! (See 2 Corinthians 5:17)
The only way I have learned when to stand up for myself, is to first begin to discover who I am in Christ by studying God’s Word. We may not always want to do what is right but His Word provides us with the tools to live the life He has for us. His Word will allow you to be “inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.” (See Romans 12:2)
You are far too valuable to passively allow others to misunderstand you, misuse you and in some situations, to not respect you. It is time to know when to stand up for yourself so you can become that person God created you to be.
Blessings,
Cindy