Thursday, May 17, 2007

The Right Words

I have heard from so many of you since yesterday's post. Thanks to all of you who posted comments of encouragement and those who sent me emails. They all came at the right time and helped to lift my spirits. I was reading Proverbs 25:11 which says, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." The emphasis Solomon, the writer of Proverbs, was making is that words can have exquisite beauty, value and artistry which our speech should resemble. As Christians, we are to support and lift each other up through difficult times and you did just that for me yesterday.

I was thinking back to last March when I came back from maternity leave. Not only was I dealing with the 'baby blues' that many of you have experienced and having two children to raise, but I was feeling the immense pressure to return to television looking perfect. For those of you who have had children, you know it doesn't happen that way--it takes time to lose the baby weight. I was being bombarded with emails from viewers wanting to know if I was expecting again because I was alittle pudgy. I called my mother and told her I thought I was having a nervous breakdown, which is totally unlike me. We talked for a while and she reminded me of something. "You feel like God called you to do this job, right?" I answered, "Yes, but I just want to quit. I can't handle this pressure." Mom then said, "If you quit, Satan wins."

I didn't see it at the time, but Satan was controlling my mind and emotions, which can be powerful for women. Is there something in your life now that Satan has a grip on? Just remember, if you give up, he wins.

By the way, do you remember Mike? After responding to his email yesterday, this is what he sent me: "Thank you for your quick and kind natured response. Please accept my apology for not choosing my words more carefully. I'm sure it is tough being in he public eye, and wish you continued success. --Mike"

2 comments:

Drewe Llyn said...

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." Philippians 4:8

Words are very powerful because they put thoughts into our minds. "Aptly spoken" words refresh while harsh ones destroy. That is why God tells us where our thoughts should be.It all goes back to what you wrote about yesterday, people carelessly tossing lies your way. It is hard to listen to the "Voice of Truth" as Casting Crowns puts it, but there is freedom there. Freedom to be who God created us to be.

I'm glad your spirits are heading up, and I'm glad Mike was big enough to apologize.

Have a great day!

Wendy said...

Barbie, I'm not sure if you remember me...My name is Wendy Steed and we used to be in MR Junior Auxiliary together for a couple of years. Anyway, I found you blog and I so enjoy reading it. I just wanted you to know that you could forcast the new in a potato sack and I'd still prefer you over any of the other stations! I think you are so professional and a joy to watch. I have had to explain to my 11-year-old son that unfortunately there are people in this world filled with hate and who look for reasons to make other people miserable, mainly because they themselves are unhappy. Just know that you have so many people who support you and please don't let people like Mike get you down. I respect you for taking this opportunity to show Mike how a true lady would respond to such nonsense.