A smiling lady walked up to me, stared at my hair and said, “I don’t know if I like it.” I said, “Like what?” She said, “I don’t know if I like your new hair cut yet?” (Was there a “We Care about Your Hair Committee” I was not aware of?) I tried to be as gracious as I could and I simply said, “I like it, does that count?” She never said.
So, what’s a girl to do? Since she didn’t like my hair was I supposed to glue the pieces back on? Sometimes, people inadvertently say the most idiotic, insensitive, opinionated things … and that’s the point of today’s blog. Who’s your audience?
Everyone has an opinion about you, too – and your hair, your life, your kids, your hubby, your house, your car, your clothes, your money, your body. Face the reality – people are judging you all day long 24/7. Pleasant thought, eh?
The big question is – should we care? Sure, we all want people to like us, approve of us and find us acceptable, but how much do we let others’ opinions control us? Who are we “performing” for anyway? Whose approval are we living for?
In our line of work/ministry, we’ve been slammed by the best; perhaps you’ve been, too. We’ve gotten nasty notes, mean-spirited emails, “suggestions” and outright hurtful comments. We’re continually learning how to have thick skin, while keeping a tender heart. Fortunately, we also get lots of nice notes from wonderful people, but for some reason it’s the hurtful comments that seem to work us over. The bottom line is this: if we were going to be moved by the opinions of others we’d be toast by now!
What about you? Who’s dissed you lately? Has a hurtful comment paralyzed you? Has someone’s disapproval rocked your world? Are you burning the candle at both ends to impress someone? It’s time to get set free, gals!
The secret to survival is to perform for an Audience of One. I’ve found freedom in not trying to please the masses … just the One. Crowds can be fickle … one day they’re saying, “Hosanna” and singing your praises and the next day they’re shouting, “Crucify ‘em.” Being a crowd pleaser will wear you out! So, what’s a person to do? Live to please the Lord. It’s a lot easier to keep track of what One Person thinks, rather than trying to keep up with the desires of the multitudes!
Really, the bottom line is that it doesn’t matter what others think about us or whether or not they approve. What matters is this: In our heart of hearts…are our attitudes, actions, words and choices pleasing to the One who matters most? If He’s happy, I’m happy. If He approves, I’m good with that, regardless of what others think. It’s freeing. When we are focused on being a God-pleaser and living a life that meets with His approval, who can stand against us?
It’s true, you can’t please all the people all of the time. People may not like you, or approve of what you stand for, what you represent, what you drive, wear, live in or how you style your hair! No worries, who’s your audience? So, set yourself free girls and live for an Audience of One!
Beth
