words per minute
11
ASHEESH_SINGH
00:00
Speed
Walls Up, Guard Up
The walls around my heart and mind have been up for most of my life.
Quick to defend, always on guard, hearing the worst instead of the intent. I've lived life on the defense for nearly three decades.
Freedom from Humility
It's taken me years to be able to have a healthy conversation in which I come with my guard down, but I can promise you this: it's worth the effort.
Do you find yourself defensive, constantly hurt by those closest to you, and always on guard? Do you dread conflict or confrontation? I'm not here to tell you to pick up your boxing gloves and get to fighting. Instead, do some honest evaluation of your heart.
Is insecurity causing you to misinterpret the words of the people closest to you? Are you placing a narrative on the relationships around you that are not actually rooted in truth? Have you become so quick to defend that you've forgotten how to trust?
I want to tell you that there is a better way. An honest way. A way that doesn't require fighting or fleeing, but walking in the grace and pursuing honesty. Be sincere and humble in your conversations rather than salty and wounded. Take the words you hear at face value rather than assuming a hidden meaning or message behind them. If you're unsure, ask.
Build up trust between your loved ones that enables you to have an honest discussion. Be humble enough to listen and reply in grace to those who are honest with you.
"My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry," (James 1:19)
Practice Takes Patience
This requires practice, patience, and a whole lot of grace. But I believe that the unguarded life is the more fruitful life. There is room for everyone at our table. We can walk in trust and hope rather than bitterness and pain.
Grace-filled confrontation can be a useful tool for moving forward rather than a scary word we avoid at all costs.
If you feel unsure how to reply, ask clarifying questions in your conversation. Assuming rarely takes up to the right conclusion. Let honesty guide your discussions, and may they always be seasoned with grace.