Give it Up

They say imitation is a form of flattery, right?

I need to be real here, I ran across a Facebook “blog” page today that has clearly been following me (dare I say stalking me?), mimicking many of my posts, using my authentic wording, posting similar things just after I do, adapting my style (right down to their new feminine watermark-Ha!), & posting things about me (or one of my children) in an obvious, but semi-legal way (according to my lawyer. Like without using my name, which is clever, but still so wrong- they have used my child’s name, & this will be addressed in a professional manner).
I am happy to help this person grow, or truthfully would’ve been, before a certain few harsh posts were made.  I’m at a loss now.

Okay, deep breath.

Really I need to keep my heart open and giving, so it doesn’t harden and grow bitter from this experience.

The truth is we are always being transformed by our circumstances, aren’t we?  It’s up to us if we let that transformation be a positive or negative one.

I’m going to choose to see the glimpses of positive in this today.

Folks, my advice to each of you as we head into this Lenten season is to give up being anyone other than yourself.  I mean give up chocolate and Facebook if you think it’ll help you, but try to think beyond materialistic items.

Renew your mind.

Whatever is bothering you about yourself, take it to the cross.

Take time to just be still and figure out who YOU are.  I imagine it’s hard if you’ve been chasing after the life of someone you wish you were, but I’m sure your own life, with your true self, is a much happier one. Just find that inner self and let it LIVE!

Yes, let it LIVE out loud!

Sweet friends, please don’t let your careless past ruin your bright future.

You are worthy of so much more.

Do YOUR best, be YOUR best, set YOUR own trends. The only person you should be looking to follow is God.  Check in with Him daily, not with my facebook page. 
Surround yourself with people from whom you can learn and be uplifted.  It’s equally important to be the type of person who is an inspiration to others.
Distance yourself from anyone or anything that causes you to be less than your best. – This is my single greatest advice for a good life.

Give up and get away from the evil people and things. Seek goodness. 

It all comes down to this: Just Be You. Be the YOU that makes Jesus smile every morning. Then, over time, you too will smile each morning when you see yourself. 

Give it up; Take it to the foot of the cross.  That’s what I’m choosing to do.