Think back — way back to when your little ones transitioned from crawling and scooting on the floor to using a table, a chair, or a small animal to steady themselves as they found the strength to stand. As they bounced up and down in celebration of this new found stability, Gravity showed up and proved to be stronger than stability. Eventually, standing became easier, and the next step was literally a step. Remember the excitement on their little faces (and yours), as they took baby steps toward your outstretched arms? That was the goal — to reach mommy’s or daddy’s arms before that mean ole Gravity showed up again.
Life is a series of baby steps paired with excitement. Gravity shows up in life as well. We don’t call it Gravity though; it’s usually tragedy, illness, missed opportunities, or failure. Situations that knock us down and sideline us are the grown-up Gravity that we face. The more we get knocked down, the easier it is to stay down because staying put is sometimes easier than awaiting and bracing for the next blow.
Learning to trust that God’s plan to prosper us is real can serve as the force that empowers you to get back up each time something knocks you down. I’ve learned to steady myself on a table, a chair, or small animal as well, but instead of standing up, I just get on my knees. Sometimes I don’t say anything other than Thank you, Lord and wait to hear his instructions. I thank him for my struggles because I eventually connect with the lesson he’s trying to teach me.
For years I struggled with shame (and still do to some degree). I become unsteady when I’m tired from working or serving. I get wobbly and fall victim to the shame that I thought I’d overcome a long time ago. All it takes is a few baby steps for me to right myself these days and continue toward the arms of the Father. Those baby steps might include turning in early, praying, or calling a trusted friend to talk things out.
My shame rears its ugly head when I lose focus or get distracted. My shame may seem minor to some, but to me, it was colossal. It came from a name — actually the lack of a name. I didn’t have my father’s name growing up, and that always led to questions from kids who did. I felt like I was the only kid in school who didn’t have her father’s last name. Even moments of triumph were clouded by this shame. Translation? I don’t have a father like all the other kids. That was the weight I carried as a child, and it made me angry. Thankfully, my father and I are in a good place today, and I forgave the mistakes of a young man (and woman) for contributing to my shame. I had to forgive them in order to shed the shame that caused me so much pain. I’m so much steadier now, and I don’t have to use a table, a chair, or a small animal to right myself. I’m in good standing with God — my Father and the lover of my soul. There’s no shame in that. I run to his outstretched arms throughout the day for safety, for rest, and for his overflowing, unconditional love. My prayer is that you, too, will take a few baby steps toward your destiny and away from the shame that might be crippling you right now. If you’re unsure of what your destiny is, speak to the only one who knows. He also knows that you’re tired of getting back up each time you get knocked down. Try God this time to steady yourself and to get on your knees. Once you get there, trust that the battle has already been waged and won. Say Thank you, Lord. He’ll take over from there. May blessings abound! <3
Agree baby steps
I never knew that. I’ve always loved you for who you ARE though. Keep doing you my friend. I know you’re doing His work. You make me proud!
Good morning my beautiful friend. God uses all of our experiences for good. Nothing is wasted. I share my experiences so that I might encourage others. God has always surrounded me with great people — even as a child. I’m pleased to be doing his work. I’m tickled to see that my sweet, little sax playing friend had grown into a devoted daughter of the King.
Yes and amen!
This is so right on time! Are you a fly on my wall? Are you listening to my heart? Thank yo Michelle. Thank you Father!
Hmmm…God was really speaking to me last night. I was feeling lazy, but I pushed through to get this post out. It was 1:30 AM when I hit “publish.” I’m glad it blessed you. Remember, your friend (and Coach) is here. 😀
So great for me today when I feel like such a failure and that there’s no hope for any of my future goals I feel discouraged worn out and weary. I keep telling myself baby steps but at 50 is it to late for that?
It’s never too late as long as you’re alive. At some point, you must stop focusing on everything that’s difficult in your life and choose to make at least one change for the better. Over time, you will see a big difference if you take the first step and keep moving forward. It’s easy to complain; it’s our default mode. Nothing changes if nothing changes, and it starts with YOU taking the first step in the right direction.
I unsubscribed my mistake. I thought this was an advertisement for a Baby company when I saw the words baby steps.
On Sun, Jan 14, 2018 at 1:01 AM, 2 R Better Than 1 wrote:
> Michelle Malone posted: “Think back — way back to when your little ones > transitioned from crawling and scooting on the floor to using a table, a > chair, or a small animal to steady themselves as they found the strength to > stand. As they bounced up and down in celebration of this ” >
Oops…sorry for throwing you off. I’m glad you’re back. 😀
Such a beautiful and worthwhile blog. Your analogy is perfect. I am facing the truth that my weight is a big factor in my walking difficulties; it is not all just a matter of aging so this time I am getting back up holding his hand and taking some responsibility for my own difficulties. Thanks for this wonderful blog. 😀
Thanks for your encouraging words, Oneta. Slow and steady…no fad diets, just portion control, lots of water, and consistent movement. My mom moves slowly, but she takes two walks each day. This has been a cold winter in LA, so she hasn’t been out in a couple of days. P.S. Cold for them is 40, but it’s been in the 20s. Yikes!
That’s powerful writing, Michelle. I’m so grateful that you are on the Father’s list of favorites! I am, too!