Gloria Ayot-Cross
Joyzma23
The more I reflect on my early years, the more I realize that children must make very difficult decisions. From dawn 'til dusk, insurmountable demands were upon my peers and me. Unceasing prayer was vital then, and now as well, because a successful day comes solely from God; only He can enable us to accomplish all that He has intended for us to do. And He alone protects us from the plans of the enemy.
Throughout the week, school attendance occupied the bulk of my time. Given a choice, I would have preferred to stay home with Mama. Needless-to-say, I had no say in the matter. So, after a good night's sleep and a hearty breakfast, I set off for school.
The elementary school that I attended was five long city blocks from home, and everyone traveled in groups. Walking alongside me were my friends, and we were joined by students from surrounding areas. There were several notorious bullies who sometimes attacked us at opportune moments. Shasta was one of them. She was bigger, stronger, older, and tougher than any of my friends--and me.
Before I knew it, my greatest fear was upon me. Shasta had noticed us and was quickly approaching. My friends panicked and dashed off, but I did not.
In but a few seconds, Shasta and I were flanked by school crossing guards and escorted to the principal's office. I was quite well, but Shasta was not. She received first aid from the school nurse, a reprimand from the principal, and a blessed healing from the Lord.
Because of that incident, Shasta's attitude improved tremendously, and her reputation as a bully ended. For that, I was most grateful.
During those years, scouting also occupied a great deal of my time. There were services to perform and occasional weekend activities that involved the entire troop and sometimes our families as well. In order to earn one of our badges, we were required to research particular topics and present our findings in the form of essays. This assignment was well planned and educational, but also burdensome. It was bound to interfere with the upcoming cookie sales. This was a very competitive phase of my life because of the fantastic prizes. I was motivated to sell as many boxes of cookies as possible. Although I was already inundated with responsibilities, I took lots of cookie orders. I had to act quickly before my competitors arrived in the neighborhood. I was hopeful that my past supporters would remain loyal to me during the duration of the cookie season.
At home, there were chores to complete before I retired for the evening. By the time my homework, chores, dance classes, troop meetings, craft instruction, and choir practice were done, the school week had ended. Saturday had arrived, and it was the most enjoyable day of all because I could sleep in and take it easy.
Sunday mornings were busy. The family attended Sunday school and the worship service. Scriptures had been memorized and it was time to recite them. A very ambitious member of my Sunday school class acknowledged the calling on his life for ministry. His dad nurtured him and arranged for him to preach at various churches. At our church, he often exhorted scriptures. Beyond a doubt, we could count on him to outshine us each week. Now and then, it would have been nice if he'd do us a favor and stay home--and perhaps prepare his next sermon.
We must all make choices, and often the wrong ones are more enticing than the right ones. Peer pressure played a huge part in my decisions. Fortunately, my response to the demands of others was not always predictable.
On one occasion, a friend told me that her life was more pleasurable than mine because her parents were not as strict as mine. For a moment, I wondered if this statement was true; then, I realized that it really didn't matter at all because I was happy and enjoyed my activities. My friend was waiting for a response to her negative statement. Finally, I said, "Our parents have different ideas about how to raise children, and they are all probably doing a great job!" My friend was caught off-guard and looked confused. I changed the subject, and she was relieved.
Rather than getting angry with our friends when they try to belittle us, we should respond to their insults in ways that can be beneficial to them.
I wondered what to say to someone who brags all the time; one of my friends did that. The last time he boasted, it was about being one of the smartest persons in class, a great athlete, and owning things that the rest of us DON'T EVEN WANT!
In the Bible, I found some advice in Proverbs 11:2. It explains that if you are proud, you will find yourself in disgraceful situations. But--on the other hand, those who show humility will get wisdom. Then, in James 4:6 (NIV), it says that God opposes the proud, but gives grace--unmerited favor--to the humble. So, the advice is--walk in humility! Now, there's one more thing! We should think about things that are positive and that build us up rather than things that are harmful to ourselves and others.
I sure hope that people who boast will think about the things I have said, otherwise, they're going to chase all of their friends away--including me!
Have a nice day!
Written by Gloria Ayot-Cross, Ph.D., March 2008
Copyright© 2008 Gloria Ayot-Cross. All rights reserved.
The end of a matter is better than its beginning, and patience is better than pride.Ecclesiastes 7:8 (NIV)
All rights reserved.
Gloria Ayot-Cross
Joyzma23