I'm going to make a confession to you all right now.
I like big buts and I cannot lie.
Now before you all go thinking I've completely lost it, please take note of the fact that there is only one t in that but, a very important distinction between these two similar words. You see, the buts I'm referring to in this post aren't the ones that Sir Mix-A-Lot was talking about in the song he released years ago. The buts I'm referring to sound like this:
"I am capable of getting that A on the exam BUT..."
"I deserve some time off BUT..."
"I should spend some time in prayer BUT..."
"You say I'm beautiful BUT..."
"I am smart BUT..."
Do any of these sound familiar to you, too?
For me, it's really easy to come up with excuses and add in that all powerful 'but' when it comes to myself. I'll talk to my friends and family and listen to their advice and kind words, but in my head I'm thinking "yes, but" this and "yes, but" that and coming up with all sorts of excuses as to why I can't do something or why what they're saying doesn't apply to me.
Now enter this bible verse from the gospel of Mark. At first I wasn't sure why this bible verse resounded so strongly with me, it just did. Then the more I thought about it, the more it all seemed to click, especially coming from the viewpoint of my "but" obsession. (Yep, that phrasing just happened.)
You see, what this verse says to me is that Jesus doesn't pay attention to the excuses you have in your head. He doesn't see the truth in the ifs, ands, or buts that you have circling in your mind and spend hours and hours on end worrying about. You can sit in a chapel or in your room praying to Him and telling God all the reasons why you can't do something and He will turn right around and tell you all the reasons why you CAN.
Even when we doubt ourselves, we can turn to an awesome God who will remind us why we shouldn't. Jesus cares for each one of us and will help us through each of our trials, we need only to believe in Him, in the the plans that He has, and in ourselves.
I found this post to be especially appropriate for now as it is finals season for my fellow college students. This time is often stress filled and can be heavy on hearts as doubt clouds our minds. I encourage you all to take to heart what Jesus said, "Don't be afraid, only believe." If you want a certain grade, believe in yourself and go after it, I know for a fact you are all more than capable.
That being said, I know it's not easy. Day in and day out I struggle with self worth, confidence, and believing in myself and my abilities. With you it could be one of those things, all of those things, or none of them and it could be something else completely. Whatever it is, just know that Jesus Christ wants you not to be afraid and to believe. And He's there to help you with that.
Besides reading the Bible, a tool I've recently started using again are positive affirmation cards. They're nothing complicated, but for me they make a difference. Every day, I set apart 5 minutes to read through each of these cards, hoping that one day they become engrained in my being and I will no longer have to be reminded daily.
You can feel free to write whatever you want, I've included a picture at the bottom of this post with a few of my favorites, although the full stack is just over 3 times that amount of cards. If you don't have time to write out notecards, then make sure to watch the clip I've included at the bottom as well! It's a good reminder everyone needs to hear every once in awhile.
Until next time, start switching your buts for periods and always believe. God bless!
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| A few of my positive affirmation cards. |
