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Do you ever feel STUCK? In 2000, I began looking for answers to some tough questions in my life. I'd searched high & low and finally conceded to search the promises found in the Bible. Those promises have sustained & guided me through the loss of a parent, the struggle with anxiety & depression, the loss of a valued relationship and so much more! I've found joy amid the pain. And, I want to share it with you!

19 June 2012

First Impressions

As a little girl, my mom used to tell me that I had to be careful what I said or did because there was always someone watching me. Really... did that just happen with me? Was it a "preacher's kid" thing. You know, everyone wanting to let the preacher know when his kids got out of line. I was always trying to do exactly what I thought was expected of me! And, I will admit, I was quite insecure as a young person. And, I might struggle with that a little as an old person too :)

As they say, "You never get a second chance to make a first impression." But, how much weight do we put in the first impressions?
  • I met a police officer who was taking bribes under the table -- so, all police officers are corrupt? 
  • A student came to take an exam & was unprepared -- so, that student is always unprepared. 
  • I met a young person who was inconsiderate - so, all young people are inconsiderate? 
  • The gay person I work with is hateful -- so all gay people are hateful? 
  • I met an overweight person who ate all the time -- so all overweight people lack self-control? 
  • The waitress who served me at lunch was slow & grouchy -- so, she's a bad waitress?
  • I met an elderly person who was a total grump -- so, all elderly people are grumpy? 
  • Those Christians I met were so rude -- so all Christians are rude?

Don't we all want a second chance from the first impression someone gets from us?  Why do we want a second chance but, often don't give that to others.  

Sometimes we just want to start over!

An old Chinese Proverb states, "Don't be over self-confident with your first impression of people."  There's always a back story to what is happening in a person's life.  Yes, we need to be careful to present ourselves in a "true light" - being the best person we can be.  But, we all fall short of perfection.  


For those of us who profess to be Christians, as Max Lucado says, 
"What makes a Christian a Christian is not perfection, it's forgiveness." 

The Bible tells us that... "We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God's glorious standard." Romans 3:22-23


Let's be easier on each other... an impression is just that... an impression - not always a fact.


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2 comments:

  1. JackieWednesday, June 20, 2012 at 11:32:00 AM EDT

    Wise words! Much stress comes when we allow what others do or say to influence our behavior and thoughts. So much healthier to remember that there is a 'back story' to every action we see, every word we hear. Give them the benefit of the doubt, say a prayer for them and move on to the next person you can bless.
    And by the way... You are NOT an old person!

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  2. stuckinindianaWednesday, June 20, 2012 at 1:56:00 PM EDT

    Thanks for those words Jackie :D And, I agree... my age is "NOT OLD" - whatever that means :) Have a blessed day!

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