Your Own Best Advice

by Tina Hunt

Two of my “go to” counseling statements are: so how’s that working for you?; and if your best friend in the whole world was going through this, what would you tell them (what advice would you give them)?—aren’t you worth your best, most loving, advice?

If people would figure those things out, counselors might need to find need to find new work. (Heavy emphasis on the might.)

So this morning during my workout, I began to think about my own advice.

Photo via Flickr

Over the past couple years the heroin epidemic walked in the front door of our church. Words can barely describe the devastation this beast has caused to one of our families. Parents are in prison and children are in foster care—fortunately with loving family and one of our own church members. Countless hours of counseling spiritually and with drug trained counselors seemed to fall on deaf ears as relapse replaced recovery.

“They can’t help themselves.”

Truth be told: I’m sick to death of that empty lie.

Don’t tell me can’t.

Won’t. Plain and simple.

Now here’s where my awareness snuck up and gave me great big God-sized Gibbs’ smack.

In case you’re unfamiliar: https://youtu.be/IRq-CJW2_IY

I have to quit telling myself I can’t: I can’t lose weight; I can’t give up sugar; I can’t write; I can’t…

Bottom line: It boils down to choice. Will I choose to get 15,000 steps a day? Will I journal my food intake, and not eat what I won’t enter? Will I choose health over sweet? Will I put my fingers on the keys and pour the words clogging my brain onto the computer screen in some semblance of order that will help others and glorify God?

I can’t not choose. Either I will or I won’t…the choice is mine.

I think I’ll take my own best advice and banish can’t. How about you?

Like Gibbs said in the clip––don’t waste your good.

Tina Hunt writes to inspire. She loves the challenge of a devotion’s brevity, a Bible study’s clarity, and an article’s ability to change lives. Communicating truth, whether written or spoken, defines Tina’s passion and purpose. Tina’s thoughts can also be found at PotOfManna. Tina is an active member of Word Weavers, serving as a chapter co-president, online president, and mentor