The Truth and Nothing But...

For most of my life, my dad often said, "God keeps good books." I never knew if he would say that as an encouragement to me when I faced unfair situations or if it was a reminder to him as he would often face false accusations. Or maybe it was both. That phrase stayed with me, and now I repeat it to others. It is a reminder that truth is always revealed.

How often do we find ourselves in circumstances where we are unjustly blamed or wrongly accused, and we want to rush in on the defense? When we become defensive, we paint a picture of guilt when all we want is our name cleared. We discuss it with our inner circle and possibly anyone who walks into our sphere of influence. Any attempt to get our version of the story heard so we feel justified. Yet, our manipulations only create more chaos and drama. The best practice is to stand. Stand in your truth. What does that phrase mean? How do you stand in your truth?

The majority of drama that swirls around us would cause less anxiety in our lives if we would just still. Still our minds. Still our hearts. Still our emotions. Still our agendas. That stillness brings peace and will then bring confidence. When we quiet the noise, we can then stand. Stand in what we know is right, just, and true. You don't have to rush in to defend, explain, or strive. You can live free if you live truthfully and speak without manipulative agendas.

I'm always baffled by those who have spun so many lies they forget who they told which lie and what version of the story was told. The energy they spend trying to remember seems needless. But they are in so deep they feel they can't stop. And so, the cycle continues until they have no idea what is truth or a lie. If you listen carefully, you will hear the circles. Stories that have no end, just spinning round and round. And when caught, they have learned the art of flipping it back on someone else. Again, why spend the energy? Life is too short for that!

Wouldn't life be so much easier and fun if we lived truthfully and with integrity? If you don't have an answer, don't make one up. If you made a mistake, own it. If you manipulated a situation to your favor and are caught, confess and break the cycle. It may be uncomfortable initially, but the peace afterward is so worth it. Then you can move forward in truth and stand confidently in your truth.

Recently, I've had to remind myself several times that God keeps good books. Truth always bubbles up to the surface. As long as I know I've lived with integrity, I can just stand. The drama and chaos may be swirling all around me and could be swirling violently. But the stillness inside of me allows me to keep standing. The more chaotic the situation, the more profound the stillness can get. It's the opposite way of thinking and living. But in the end, it is always the best decision.

So, I encourage you today, my friend. Decide to live with integrity and truthfulness. Stop the chaos and drama. Stop rushing in on the defense. Stop manipulating and speaking with agendas. Start speaking the truth, speaking peace, and responding with grace and stillness. And stand.

Until Next Time,

DJ