Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Sharing Opinions – Yours Matters


Have you been able to read between the lines all these years—to discover I have trouble sharing my opinions about things? It’s something I have struggled with since I was young. 

Sharing Opinions - Yours Matters
I came home with more outfits that I hated and never wore because I couldn’t tell my mom the truth about what I thought while in the dressing room.

And, then, the one time I just had to have a faux bunny fur hat (I think I was about 9 years old at the time), the moment I saw an old lady wearing one at church, I never donned it again.

I don't like talking politics. I avoid Apologetics. I dislike confrontation. When someone asks,

"What do you think?" 

I freeze.



It’s easier not to like something rather than say I like it and be disappointed.
Now, those of you who have psych backgrounds may have me labeled—don’t tell me, I don’t want to know.

Sharing opinions - yours matters
Whatever the cause, I struggle with this. 

I like everyone else to be happy. So, it doesn’t matter whether we go for pizza or Chinese food. I’ll take whichever flavor is left on the dessert dish. I'd rather let everyone else choose first.

You're probably thinking--Really, Jeanne? 

Or, maybe somebody out there is tracking with me because you struggle too.

I really do want to grow in this area...

That’s one reason I have said yes to reviewing books and movies here at The Stream’s Edge. It has forced me to be honest with myself and others about what I think. And, I think it has been a good stretching thing for me.

My theory is that all of this is rooted in fear.

  • Fear of rejection
  • Afraid what others will think or say
  • Afraid of not being accepted or liked
  • Afraid of looking or sounding foolish

Sharing Opinions - Yours matters

Does this ring true with anyone else?

Does anyone else out there struggles with this? I would love to hear about your journey. 

Maybe we could start the S.Y.O.S.G

Share Your Opinion Support Group

Or, maybe the M.O.M.S. ...

My Opinion Matters Society

I'm learning how to take a risk with my opinions, to be myself. There is one question I can answer without being afraid of what others think...the one when Jesus asks,

"Who do you say that I am?"

What do you think? Now that I've bared my soul...I’d love to hear your opinion!


Jeanne



Images courtesy of Morguefile.com


Jo Ann Fore writes this book called, When a Woman Finds Her Voice:

9 comments:

  1. I struggle with some things more than other. I hate conflict and try to avoid it. Fear is definitely part of that. Thank you for sharing and baring your insecurities.

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  2. Me too, Melissa. And the older I get, some things are easier too. Thanks for chiming in :)

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  3. I loved hearing about your journey here. I think you have made a brave decision to try something outside your comfort zone. I have the opposite challenge, I'm fearless in sharing my opinions because I have strong beliefs. I have to try to not come off as arrogant. We all need to learn that our strengths can be our weaknesses and our weaknesses can become our strengths. Dale L.

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  4. Thank you for sharing and baring your soul. You are brave. It is not wrong to want others to have dessert first. That is love. I am like Dale L. I used to be very timid and shy until I met Jesus. As a Speaker/Teacher/Writer I made it a point to know doctrine and why I believe what I believe. (I am still learning every day) God has smoothed my rough edges. I always pray before I share. If I may be bold to say, opinion and truth are different. When we share the truth of Gods word it is not an opinion. When we share how God feels about abortion marriage and other issues it is not an opinion. It is Truth. We have Gods backing when we tell the truth. Yes, I have had opposition but I leave that person in Gods hands. It hurts when people don't want to know the God I know; they are missing out.
    When we discuss movies, food or other issues, that it is opinion. That is the way I see it.
    P.S. I like to let others chose first too.

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  5. Thanks for sharing your heart, Dale. I'm sure God is working in both of us to both smooth and sharpen our edges with His Holy Spirit--the fruit that enables us to love and have patience with one another. I am sure there is a balance we need to strike for sure. I appreciate you stopping by to comment.

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  6. I agree Cherrilynn. I do think the Lord is giving me more confidence and boldness as I get older. But, I have a long way to go. LOL I can easily share what Scripture means and I have a firm stand on the things you mentioned. Although I don't always speak up about them. He is still working on me...to make me what I ought to be :)

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  7. Me too. Can totally relate to all that you described. After raising 2 boys and being the only female in the house, I think I just kind of forgot what my own opinions were because I was outnumbered so often and tend to be a peacekeeper anyway. But God is helping me find my voice in recent years and i am re-discovering who I am all over again!

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  8. Susie, you bring up a good point - that often our environment can be a cause to losing our voice or our bravery to speak up. I imagine when you have all boys and a hubby, decisions are made for you like TV programs, sports events, foods, vacation destinations....it's like we need some estrogen every once in awhile to oil our jaws. LOL Thanks for stopping by and sharing your experiences.

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  9. I share your fear of rejection, or humiliation. That is why it is so profound that He called me to stand in front of others, speak, and teach, and write...It is all Him. I can't do this - He is. I remain amazed at the things "I can't do" that He is doing through me!

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