My Facebook account says I have 1K friends. In reality, I have less than a handful that I speak to often, yet I have spent countless hours reading many social media posts of friends I scarcely know. Therein, I often read stories of those same people that send my emotions in a myriad of directions. Reading the news several times a day can have that same effect. I feel deeply and am moved by the needs of others, however, the energy vested can often rob me of the peace I need to be effective in “my world” where I can more likely make a difference.
My newly adopted schedule has made it much easier to lay down the phone with its multitude of apps that draws me to read unnecessary information and conversations. It’s a strategic decision. For me, the time given to news and social media must be limited to what is necessary to stay in touch and be informed. Holding on to my peace is the most significant thing I can do for longevity. Focusing primarily on the important things in my life is another strategy that assures I maintain peace amidst this rapidly changing world with its whirlwind of opinions and persuasive ideologies that are as diverse as the fish in the sea. My family, values, and faith are the anchors that keep me grounded as I intentionally turn away from the voices that threaten to take me to unknown waters without a way back home.
Family relationships is without a doubt one of my strongest anchors. I am thankful for the family I came from, the ones that came from me, and those who were grafted in through marriage and commitment to one another. Nothing can change what we are to each other. We don’t have to speak to each other often or agree with the choices of the other to know that we will always be there when needed. The bond of “family” is the rope of unconditional love that holds us anchored together.
Our values are principals we believe that are important to the way we live. I grew up in a small country town in Oklahoma. My mom was a single parent and we often lived with my grandmother who was the rock in our family. My uncles, aunts and cousins were always a part of my life. I don’t remember any of our family ever speeking ill of anyone of a different race or social status. I grew up with the core values of respect and honor. Pehaps that’s why it’s important to me to guard against criticism, even if my beliefs and values don’t agree with someone else’s.
At twenty-one I invited Jesus into my life and in an instant, I was forever changed. I then saw people through the eyes of love and the values of forbearance and forgiveness were deposited within my heart. My faith in God was established on nothing less than the reality of my changed life. I was one way and then I was another and I had nothing to do with it. Over the years He has continued to reveal to me what true love and forgiveness looks like. How can I not be forgiving and forbearing of others after experiencing this kind of agape love?
1 Corinthians13: 4-7 is one of the core values of my faith that is an anchor I hold tightly to.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.
These are the anchors that keep me from drifting when waves from the storms of life attempt to rock my boat. Comparing my life with others’, desiring the things of this world, and worrying about world events can keep me from experiencing my best life possible. I must guard my heart from fear of the future and what may or may not happen. I choose to be thankful for all the good things in my life instead of longing for what I cannot change. I try to honor with a sincere heart my family, friends, and the people in my world. I remain steadfast in my faith. With intentionality, I hold firm to the anchors in my life.
