We all have the freedom to set boundaries, to think for ourselves and make choices for that is simply taking responsibility for our own life as an individual created in God’s image. God gives us boundaries for we are unique and have our own thoughts, feelings and beliefs etc. We need to enforce our boundaries rather than letting others violate them for otherwise it leaves us feeling disrespected. We are meant to speak up so we can remain true to our values. That will mean there are times we will say NO to what is asked of us even when it will not please others, just as Jesus did when Peter wanted him to avoid the cross. (Matt 16)
It is also important that we take responsibility for our own self-care if we are to provide care for others. We might ask ourselves what makes us feel fully alive, what things do we need to incorporate into our lives to bring balance and life. It is tempting to play the blame game rather than seeing our own responsibility to speak up and take back our lives. We can ask the Holy Spirt to help us live with an open heart, and give us hope that He will open new doors and give us His wisdom and even teach us how to assert ourselves when needed. Let us ask the Lord for courage to do the hard thing that may be necessary at the time, to speak up, to die to the right things and use our God given freedom wisely.
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