In Others’ Words: Finding the Right Place and Standing Firm

Beth VogtIn Others' Words, lifequotes, quote about choices 16 Comments

 

Stand Firm Abraham Lincoln 2016

I remember the first time someone called me “narrow-minded.” 

Now, when I say “the first time,” please don’t get the idea that this happens often. It doesn’t. As a matter of fact, I can’t remember the last time someone called me “narrow-minded,” but I do recall the first time.

I was shocked. Me? Narrow-minded?

I called my good friend Robyn and told her what happened. Her response was quick — straight to the point.

“You’re not narrow-minded, Beth.” Her voice was calm, soothing my unsettled emotions. “You’ve just thought some things through and made up your mind what you believe about them.”

And she was right. There are some things I believe — about God, for example, or about family. My beliefs didn’t come easily — as a matter of fact, some of my beliefs have cost me greatly. I’ve wrestled with them, discussed them with other people, read books by people I agree with and people I don’t agree with … and I’ve made up my own mind where I’m putting my feet, so to speak, and I’m standing firm.

If someone wants to define making a final, well-thought out decision about what you believe as narrow-mindedness, that’s their choice. But that’s not the correct definition of the word. 

We have to stand for something, don’t we? We have to search for truth until we find it … and then both protect it and defend it. We have to decide what we value — be it honesty or grace or kindness or courage — and then stand firm in our convictions. Doing so isn’t narrow-mindness. It’s a choice to live a life that’s founded on something that outlasts our circumstances or our emotional ups and downs.

In Your Words: Where have you “put your feet” and decided to stand firm? What do you value?

[Tweet “In Others’ Words: Finding the Right Place and Standing Firm #InOthersWords #Lifequotes #choices”] [Tweet “”Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm.” #AbrahamLincoln #quotes #choices”]

 

 

Comments 16

  1. Over the years I made many unpopular well-thought out decisions involving my sons. Some of my decisions forced them to not follow the crowd. I hope I passed on the ability for them to stand up and make wise decisions even decisions others consider narrow-minded.

    One day we’ll answer to God for our actions. Thanks for the reminder to slow down and think before acting.

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      Jackie: Oh, parenting decisions! Yes, they are not always popular with other parents — or our kiddos. I tell my kiddos that peer-pressure exists among parents, too. And that I’m okay with being the “uncool” parent, if need be. And it comes in handy sometimes if they want to say no to something — my husband will take the fall for them. 🙂

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  2. Ah, a firm place to stand. Finding that unmovable place makes all the difference. I’m so thankful for The Rock that holds our feet steady and secure though everything else around us may change.

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  3. Sometimes you just have to put your feet down where you are.

    I don’t consider myself narrow-minded, but someone once said of me, “Trying to get him to look at another view once his mind’s made up is like trying to get a mule into a VW.”

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  5. Beth, what a powerful post. I think this is one of my favorites of what you’ve written. I have chosen to stand firm on my belief in Jesus. When life overwhelms, my feet are planted on His truth. When people chastise or condemn, I remember His words.

    I loved how your friend shared with you that you weren’t narrow minded; you simply knew what you believed. One of the many things I love about you. 🙂

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