How often have you consented to something before researching what it is you are consenting to? Negative experiences can be great educators: I now very rarely consent to anything of importance without first being informed about what I am consenting to. In other words, I take time to do the research necessary to inform myself of what I can most likely expect when I give my consent. Being informed limits risk; it doesn’t necessarily eradicate it!
Surgery hurts! Sometimes the pain produced by the surgery is more painful than the pain we suffered before we chose surgery to get rid of it. I wish I would have known that before I consented to having carpel tunnel surgery long ago! That information would have kept me from expecting zero pain once the numbing agent wore off a few hours after I returned home. Same thing may happen when we choose to evaluate our personal feelings, thoughts and our perceptions associated with those obstacles that get in our way. And sharing all that with someone – well – that’s an act of sheer bravery! Before consenting to begin the journey of living out your unique design in those areas where you’ve been stuck, here is information that I’ve acquired through the years as I continue to live out mine.
- My passion is to experience freedom in those areas wherein I’ve been trapped emotionally, spiritually, physically, and/or mentally. I take the Apostle Paul seriously when he shared that it is FOR freedom that Christ has set me free – and, with the help of God – to no longer allow myself to remain enslaved emotionally, spiritually, physically and/or mentally.
- With that said, freedom always exacts a price; I realize that I will suffer loss if I choose to obtain it. For that reason, change can be scary. For example, I chose to lose relationships when I had chosen to leave a denomination that stifled my spiritual freedom. I had been scared – no – more like terrified to do what I did.
Be informed before you consent:
Surgery hurts! Yet it is often an integral piece of the healing process. (A few days after my surgery, for the first time in many years I was not awakened by a throbbing, painful arm.)
Loss hurts! Yet, it is often an integral piece to freely Live MY unique and God-Given Design to its fullest! (I worked through my fears, obtained spiritual freedom and grieved my losses.)
Pam Merten