In Others’ Words: Finding the Right Place and Standing Firm

 

I remember the first time someone called me “narrow-minded.” 

Now, when I say “the first time,” please don’t get the idea that this happens often. It doesn’t. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember the last time someone called me “narrow-minded,” but I do recall the first time.

I was shocked. Me? Narrow-minded?

I called my good friend Robyn and told her what happened. Her response was quick — straight to the point.

“You’re not narrow-minded, Beth.” Her voice was calm, soothing my unsettled emotions. “You’ve just thought some things through and made up your mind what you believe about them.”

And she was right. There are some things I believe — about God, for example, or about family. My beliefs didn’t come easily — as a matter of fact, some of my beliefs have cost me greatly. I’ve wrestled with them, discussed them with other people, read books by people I agree with and people I don’t agree with … and I’ve made up my own mind where I’m putting my feet, so to speak, and I’m standing firm.

If someone wants to define making a final, well-thought out decision about what you believe as narrow-mindedness, that’s their choice. But that’s not the correct definition of the word. 

We have to stand for something, don’t we? We have to search for truth until we find it … and then both protect it and defend it. We have to decide what we value — be it honesty or grace or kindness or courage — and then stand firm in our convictions. Doing so isn’t narrow-mindness. It’s a choice to live a life that’s founded on something that outlasts our circumstances or our emotional ups and downs.

In Your Words: Where have you “put your feet” and decided to stand firm? What do you value?

In Others’ Words: Finding the Right Place and Standing Firm #InOthersWords #Lifequotes #choices
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“Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” #AbrahamLincoln #quotes #choices
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