What is it You Truly Know For Sure?

I remember when I first subscribed to Oprah’s O Magazine and how I looked forward to reading the back of the magazine where there was a section Oprah called, “What I Know For Sure”. She eventually even wrote a whole book on the subject. I loved reading the pearls of wisdom she would share. Sometimes I would learn something new, but then sometimes I had to really think about what was shared and if it really fit into the core of my life and beliefs. When we are young and trying to figure out who we are, we tend to look up to and admire athletes, celebrities, and people with power, but that does not mean they have all the right answers for our lives. Life has taught me there are things we can learn from others, but it is more important that we understand and live by our own personal values, standards, and beliefs. It is important to learn what you stand for and what you are willing to live or die for. What you know for sure.

Most of our core values and beliefs are developed during childhood by our teachers, preachers, parents, and friends. We all have developed an internal moral compass that serves as a guide to help us judge right from wrong. I also believe that if we are tuned into who we really are, what we believe, and how we feel, our intuition and instincts will guide us and help us understand what the important things in life really are. Investing in yourself mentally, physically, and spiritually pays dividends and increases your ability to learn and grow. The Bible says a double-minded man (or woman) is unstable in all their ways. Stay focused on the path you choose and do not let situations or circumstances determine your fate.

There was a popular song that had a lyric that said the only things in life that were certain were taxes, death, and trouble, but as a woman who has lived over six decades, I know for sure that nothing is certain except external life when you accept Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Savior. Feelings and emotions can fade, and sometimes sadly even marriages can come to an end, there are also times when friends and family may turn their back on you, but the love of Christ is forever. I am a firm believer in forgiveness, and I have been challenged in this area from time to time, and I realize that by forgiving someone else we liberate ourselves. I also know that being a person of integrity that extends love and kindness toward others can open doors that have been closed. Years ago, my father’s wife Bridget once said to me, Wendy you will always be okay because of your giving heart. I know that favor from the Lord is worth more than silver and gold.

What is it you feel and believe in your heart? Are you easily influenced by what is hip or trendy on social media? Is it more important for you to be liked than to stand for what you know to be right? Are you scared to be blackballed from a group for staying true to your Christian values, even when it is not popular? When you get to a place in life where you are not afraid of the comments or actions of others your life will be more peaceful and you will be secure in what you know. If you are not sure what you need to know just be careful where and from whom you seek advice. The choices and decisions you make today can have devastating consequences that affect your tomorrow, and even future generations. I am happy that my life has reached a place where I know what is important and what matters. You can too if you take a little time to invest in yourself and search your soul. The answers will come.

Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.

Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.