Approval Perils

In almost every classic Greek myth, the hero meets her/his demise thanks to a good old fatal flaw. Whether it be hubris or unwavering dedication to one's friends, fatal flaws ruin even the most noble of heroes in Greek tragedies. I think I have many fatal flaws but one flaw that always seems to ruin my good day is my people pleasing obsession. While I think calling my people pleasing attitude a fatal flaw might be extreme, being a people pleaser proves disastrous in many situations. No matter who I'm with, if they're not happy, i'm not happy. If I get the hint that a teacher or an adult I respect is upset with me or disappointed, I will literally worry myself sick until I am certain I have gained their approval. This gets even worse when the person I am trying to gain acceptance from or please cannot be happy, no matter what I say or do. 

Sister we are not called to be people pleasers. I am the chief among the sinners in this area. I try so hard to make everyone around me happy for the wrong reasons. I look for acceptance or approval in places and people where its is not necessary. We were called to share the Gospel and love one another. Loving your neighbor does not mean that you will always make your neighbor happy. This is because neither you nor your neighbor is perfect. The only person you should try to please is God, and sister He is oh so pleased by the princess you are! You are so fiercely Loved that you do not need to look for approval from anyone but your heavenly father. 

I have personally found that the closer to Christ that I grow, the more upset the toxic people in my life become with me; whereas the closer I grow to Christ the more aware I am of the incredible brothers and sisters in Christ he has surrounded me with. When you follow Christ, you cannot make everyone happy. Not everyone is rooting for you in this game of life,and sometimes the only way you can make some people happy is by failing. Sister never put yourself or anyone else around you down to make another person happy. You are called to be a light and to spread Good News, not be a tool to be used for others pleasure. You are strong and graceful, anointed by the One True God. You are called to love God and let Him love you so that you can share His love to every soul you encounter. 

Do not let the disapproval of others steal your joy. In life, people will be disappointed in you and you will let others down, thats just how it goes. For those who cannot be happy, you must learn to radiate joy and not allow their lack of love for life bring you down. You have been called for a higher purpose than simply pleasing your friends or adults in your life. You have been called by a God who loves you so much he wants to make you His Princess. Go and be Love sisters because you are Loved.