Ready to Accept

(By Cecil Murphey)

Years ago after an insightful experience, I wrote these words in my journal: No matter how many times I hear something, I will deny what I’m not prepared to accept.

Friends, loved ones, or even people who don't like me tell me something about myself. I hear the words, but I ignore the meaning. It usually takes something drastic to make me accept something about myself that others have seen but I haven't.

I'm a straight talker—that's neither a boast nor an apology. It's who I am. But after I'd hurt people's feelings (unintentionally) enough times I realized that bluntness, frankness, or straightforwardness (whichever word we choose) can also be harsh and unkind.

Perhaps not wanting to change keeps us from "hearing" facts about ourselves. But once we accept the truthfulness of what we hear, we have to decide what to do about it. I'm committed to accept those unpleasant things about myself.

To prepare for further truth about myself, here's something I pray every day: "God, heal the parts of myself that don't want to be healed." The more open I am to hear about hidden parts of my personality, the more I'm ready to change (be healed).

No matter how many times I hear something, 

I will deny what I’m not prepared to accept—and to change.

(This post was adapted from Not Quite Healed, written by Cecil Murphey and Gary Roe.)