Pulling Weeds

Cute isn’t he? Our youngest is still at the age where he enjoys working—he says it’s fun—because it makes him feel grown up. Our oldest children, ages ten and twelve, found out a long time ago this isn’t the case. But fun or not, pulling weeds is vital to a successful vegetable or flower garden if you want productivity.
The same goes for our lives. We must pull the weeds of negativity and hurt, even if it means putting ourselves first for a change and refusing to let others take advantage of us. Except we’re Christians, so standing firm against others when we know we should is wrong if it will upset the other person, right? WRONG!

Jesus himself called people out when needed and spoke the truth bluntly. Just look at the account of the moneychangers in the temple or the times the Pharisee’s attempted to trick Him into saying/doing something wrong. However, the key is Jesus did so in love. He stated the facts and those individuals could choose to listen and change or ignore Him, but either way He still loved them. Enough to die on the cross for them (us), in fact. So what does this have to do with weeds?
I’ve been reading a fantastic book by Paul Coughlin and Jennifer D. Degler, Ph.D. called No More Christian Nice Girl. The title snagged my attention and was recommended by an author friend, so I gave it a try. Glad I did. The truths in this book were profound. You see, from the time us females are born we’re taught to be nice—never intentionally hurt anyone’s feelings, always do what we can to help others, be soft-spoken, never rude, and—if raised in a strict religious household—remain silent, keeping opinions and ideals to ourselves, especially in the presence of men. Problem is these characteristics can be poisonous if not used correctly. Over time we grow so accustom to these traits we let others trample upon us like a doormat. It’s time to take the Welcome sign off our foreheads and be the 360-degree human God created us to be.

Yes, Jesus is love, but he’s more than that, and what’s killing a lot of churches today is that His gentle and kind side is the only side of Him being taught. Folks are putting God in a box and refusing to experience the rest of Him. How can we conform to His image if we only choose to study one aspect of His personality?
This book not only walks the reader through the 360-degree Jesus, giving many examples of this truth from scripture, but also provides a study of many women from the Bible who chose to be bold when needed and were blessed by God for doing so. See, being silent isn’t always the best option. Even when in the presence of men.
In conclusion, the next time you’ve scheduled date night with your hubby and your sister calls begging you to babysit her kids so she can have a much needed break, even playing the “family card,” say NO! “Sorry, sis, but I need a break too. I’d love to help, really, and I usually do. But we’ve had this date planned for a month now, and I just can’t babysit tonight. How about another time?” Will this make you un-Christian? No. And you may even feel a little guilty, but get over it. We have to ingest what we need in order to be what we need for others.
Babysitting nieces and nephews isn’t your dilemma? Here are the other great topics covered in this book:             *Social and Cultural Pressures            *Harmful Childhood Experiences            *Friendships and Family            *Career            *Dating            *Marriage            *Sex

“Nice girl” syndrome negatively effects every one of these areas. Yes, even sex. So if you want a beautiful, inviting, more productive life garden start pulling weeds, ladies!  





To purchase your copy of No More Christian Nice Girl, click here! 
*Yes, there's also No More Christian Nice Guy! Click here!