Jun. 29, 2006 - Living in Your Skin
Do you feel comfortable in your own skin?
Some friends have been discussing this today. We've been asking ourselves if we feel pressured to conform to others that we know.
Wondering if we feel that pull of peer pressure or if we are okay with being different.
I have always innately wanted to please others. To disappoint someone, particularly my family, wounds my heart. Yet, I am capable of standing strong on my own feet and withstanding the pressure of others to conform.
But do I? Do I feel the need to be more conservative like others I know? Do I feel the need to lead my Ray in a different path than he has chosen for our family--because others I respect don't walk that same path?
Do I push for less tv? Do I cringe when he turns the radio on a country station? Do I raise my eyebrows when he lets my dc watch a certain tv show that I feel is inappropriate? Do I sigh when he agrees to let them attend VBS?
In my youth there were times when I gave in to peer pressure and did things I am not proud of. But as a general rule, the desire to please my parents prevented me from indulging as freely as most of my friends.
I wanted others to like me. Even as an adult, I still desired to fit in.
I am older now. At some point in the past 5 years, I have grown more comfortable with who I am. I can accept that some people may not like me and that others just tolerate me. I've grown used to being considered a *freak* by those in my real life who don't understand the various beliefs we have: homeschooling, quiverfull, breastfeeding, family bed, non-age segregation in the church and society, women keeping the home, men leading their families.
But today I grew aware that the people pleasing streak is still there, deeper maybe, but there just the same.
And it really isn't a pretty thing.
Comments
Jun. 30, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by weareqf
This is something that I think about often. I'm probably a little too less people pleasing and find myself in hot water because I'm too comfortable in my own skin. I can be a little rough around the edges when it comes to expressing my *freakish* self.
It's good to have strong convictions but not so good when we wish to force them down our husbands throats as well--at least you express yourself more subtly!! It's difficult to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. And just when you think you've finally *arrived* the Lord shows you how far you still have to go! :-)
btw, glad to see you're back!! I was getting concerned since you hadn't blogged in over 2 weeks!!
Love Ya! Kris
Jul. 1, 2006 - Untitled Comment
Posted by teena6
I think I am more comfortable then I use to be. WINK~ I think I am ok with not being MORE conserative ...b/c for ME ... more conserative ends up being more legalistic. The Lord has shown me that lately. I keep learning new things... and I like what Kris said... just when we think we have arrived! LOL
Jul. 3, 2006 - comfortable in skin
Posted by Jimmie
Living as a foreigner makes me consider this daily. For example, I look so physically different. Am I okay with being one and a half times bigger than the average woman here? At times I wish I blended in. But I don't. So I have to get used to it. Sometimes I pretend I'm a celebrity. People ALWAYS stare and even talk about us.
I think that although people pleasing is WRONG, I think that it helps when we find our closest relationships with people who have the same values we do. Then we know that any peer pressure will push us towards right actions and not wrong ones.
Jul. 28, 2006 - You're Right, It Aint Pretty
Posted by elliott10
I am growing more comfortable in my own skin as I grow in the Lord and in age:) But sometimes I am deceived into thinking that I have some sort of spiritual discernment or understanding that my husband lacks and it makes it a struggle for me to joyfully follow him. God is so merciful and patient :) Using what the wisdom I think I have to show me how little I know.
