Friday, September 05, 2008

Do it anyway

God is great
but sometimes life ain't good
And when I pray
It doesn't always turn out like I think it should
But I do it anyway
Yeah, I do it anyway

These words from the Martina McBride song, "Do It Anyway" brought me to the computer this morning. I've been in a place of complacency, watching my kids grow up and away (I've done my job!) and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life. Sometimes that complacency takes us away from God. When I get away from God, my direction becomes confused, altered. I see and get caught in the selfishness and pettiness of others' trips. Recently, I voiced some thoughts and opinions and there was an attempt to squash them. That's okay. Jesus said there would be days like that. I woke up this morning with the refrain, "Do it anyway! Do it anyway!" going through my mind, over and over--my eyes get opened and I can see things in a new and wonderful Light.
Sometimes He speaks to us through scripture, sometimes in others' words, and sometimes He just shouts in our ears because we keep tuning Him out. HE is always there. We're not always listening.
So, whatever it is that you're called to do. . .listen.
And no matter what anyone says, do it anyway.

13 comments:

kc bob said...

I love that sentiment.. it inspired me to copy/paste the paradoxical commandments at my place.. with a link back here :)

Missy said...

Yeah, my ears are ringing...

:)

karen said...

I knew it couldn't just be for me. . .

karen said...

Thanks, KB! I left a comment there.

Missy said...

BTW - I really like that song, don't you?

Lynne said...

I think that's part of my learning curve at the moment, too. Don't let the past and other people's expectations squash me into a socially comfortable shape .. contrary to past teaching, that's not actually the person God wants me to become.

karen said...

missy, yep, I'm not surprised you really like it...It's honest.

lynne, I really like what you said here. God wants warriors when needed, sometimes we're tiptoeing around to be acceptable. Since you're in ministry, maybe you could check in at my other blog, "Say What?!?" www.karenquestions.blogspot.com and give your perspective on the last 2 posts I did. The first is a rerun from a year or so ago born out of frustration for the patriarchal hierarchy in the church today. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

NoVA Dad said...

Amen to that -- and sometimes my not listening comes from the fact that I have a very stubborn case of tunnel vision that tends to guide me quite a bit!

Hope you're doing well.

Robert said...

A resounding amen and yes yes yes karen!!! So easy at times to get lulled into a complacency due to all kinds of factors, when God is always there and speaking, in alot of different ways. I love what you share over at FFF aa well sweet friend. You are a warrior karen, just a pretty one!!! LOL thank you a ton for your comment at my place, means so much!!!

karen said...

Thanks, Matt...yeah, I think my tinnitus is from not listening enough! LOL Glad to see you here.

Robert, thanks so much. You're such a sweetie. God must be so proud of you!

Bar L. said...

I've been listening but hear nothing *unless you count the ringing from tinnitus

karen said...

B, oddly enough, I just realized my T is much quieter when I'm tuned in to listen. Louise Hay "You Can Heal Your Body" says tinnitus comes from not listening to the Inner Voice.
Well, it also comes from partial deafness, (as I am in my left ear) and from hanging around too many rock concerts, or BEING in a music band (which I've been). But I did realize this a.m. that it doesn't come forward when I'm engaged with Him.

Don said...

It's our Source's creation. Ain't it wonderful how all of it is used to speak to us. Time and time again I find that to be so true. The question isn't whether God is speaking to humanity in today's world. The question is, Who's listening?