I am dealing with so many health issues. In fact, I just spent the night in the emergency room. When I add on top of that everything else I have going on…all I can say is “wow”. But through it all, I made a decision. I won’t complain!
The African-American community (especially the African-American church community) has a few colloquialisms that, no matter how trite still seem to encourage me. Many of these sayings are songs. In difficult times, how many of you find yourself actually singing I Won’t Complain by Rev. Paul Jones? It amazes me how I just automatically start singing, “I’ve had some good days…” I can even hear the organ playing while I sing. It’s not just the song I Won’t Complain, but what about the saying, “Too Blessed to be Stressed”? How many times have you encouraged yourself with those words?
We already have the tools we need to encourage ourselves. Don’t take for granted that old church saying, or Bible verse that pops in your mind during a time of crisis. It comes to your memory for a reason. Don’t push the words aside just because you’ve heard them so many times. Let those words fill your mind instead of what you are going through.
Trust me. I know how easy it is to allow yourself to fall into a “woe is me” pity party. But the next time you feel yourself sinking, give yourself permission to be strong. Recall some encouraging words you might have heard in a song, in scripture or by a friend. Always choose to stay positive. And, as always, let’s press on together!