A Light in the Dark Places

"Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven."  Matt 5:16

Where did that saying come from...They cuss like a salior?  Do all sailors curse, probably not No but they all have that stigma.  We now use this term for people with potty mouths.

"We all stumble in many ways.   If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check." James 3:2

Confession: I'm not perfect--I know, I know shocker huh!

Seriously though, I do have a testimony and want to give God the praise because it was ALL Him.

I'm the new person in an office of two people of which one is part-time.  One of my co-worker's who I have to work closely with so I can provide services has a mouth out of this world.  A little soap treatment is definitely needed.

Now, cussing is not my weakness but I believe if you hear it often enough and dwell on it like anything else, it can get in your spirit and the enemy can take root. 

Now this co-worker has been there for over 9 years and here I come wanting her to change her language.  I would say things to her and ask her to please watch her mouth.  She would apologize but continue to use "hard core" curse words.  When she would say 'gd', I would always say something but reminder her about her words is a full-time job in itself. 

Her language was bothering me so much that when I wake up in the morning, I would have thoughts of curse words in my head.  It's so important to not only guard your heart but your ears.  Now I can corrupt myself, I don't need anyone to help me in that process.  I knew when I would wake up and that was occuring that it had become serious.

I didn't know what else to do and I didn't want to go over her head because that would just make the situation worse.  So God would definitely get a ear full.  I'm so glad that he can handle my venting sessions, problems and everything else I bring to him. 

Talking with some people from church, they really tried to convince me that I need to go over her head. That I should not have to work in an environment like that.  I know there are laws in place but sometimes it really is best to try and resolve in on the same playing field.  So they suggested that I get some instrumental christian cd's and play it in my office.  They even gave me a couple and to talk to my co-worker again but be more firm.

You would think as a social worker, this would be easy for me because I advocate for people everyday.  Well when it comes to myself, it's so much harder.  That assertiveness goes right out the door sometimes.   

So last Monday, I came into the office and played my cd's and thought to myself, what am I going to say, when will be a good time, how am I going to say it...My nervous were getting the best of me.  So my co-worker comes into my office and starts talking about how I'm such a good person and that I need kids because I would be a good mother and so much love to give and so on...Her demeanor was so different and I knew something was going on with her.  Later I go into her office because she needed help with something.  The she goes into out of nowhere that she doesn't cuss in front of her kids and I threw in there that I would appreciate it if you didn't cuss in front of me either.  She goes on to say that she knows she needs to watch her language and that she is a bad person and on and on...No, you are not a bad person I console her and we talk a little and back into my office I go.

Wow God!!  He just worked that situation out.  He changed her demeanor that day so she would be responsive to what needed to be done, he had her start the conversation, and he changed the atmosphere in the office.

We know God doesn't do anything little, right!  Well later on that day, it was just me and the part-time person in the office.  She yells from up front and ask what church I go to.  As I'm thinking to myself, What?  She comes back to my office and states that she needs to find a church to start going to...

Again, Wow God!  You are awesome.  Thank you for opening up doors and moving when I am weak.  There are so many times when I get tired of being the only light.  But this situation was a sign to show me that I am where I am suppose to be.  God said we must not get tired in doing good for we will see our reward if we stay steadfast.