Signs of a controlling relationship
Are you in a controlling relationship? Dr. Linda Mintle give you seven questions to assess and helpful, practical advice if you are.
What If
Submitted by:
Tie Oei
As a young girl, I knew that having emigrated from Indonesia that my family was different from our neighbors in Waco, TX.
The definition(s) of being an immigrant: 1. a person who migrates to another country, usually for permanent residence. 2. An organism found in a new habitat.
Jeremiah 1: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” I took this to mean that God already knew that I was going to grow up in Waco, TX.
What if, you immigrant to that country at a young age and do not feel like an “immigrant”? That you have willingly assimilated and not just acclimated to the “new habitat”. You have made this “new habitat” as your heart home. My daily struggle growing up.
What if, the people around you do not approve or show their disapproval in different ways. Facial expressions, ask you why don’t you speak Indonesian? Comment on your “perfect English” or worse, just plain ignore you. The sting of disapproval hangs over you as a cloudy day. My heart wounded by the disapproval.
What if, they sat down and broke bread with you and found out that you are more than just “Americanized”. In front of them is a real live human being with a history and a story to tell. What if everyone gave everyone a chance to tell their story? I often thought, why are people afraid to get to know me?
What if everyone took the time to express themselves and willing to be vulnerable and brave enough to take the hits and criticism? Would this world be better served or will people still ignore others?
What if, people would take the time to get to know a person before judging and criticizing? Would the world have more Godly grace and mercy?
One thing I have learned is that during those times of sadness, doubt and hurt, Hebrews 13:5 comes to my mind.
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.”
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