Of Course I Turned Off the Stove this Morning ... Didn't I?

GRATEFUL GIRL'S THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
Doubt is just a nasty, useless, rotten little critter. It's a punk, really. I like to think of it as the Benedict Arnold of emotions because it's not to be trusted for a single second. Hmpf.

Whether it's uncertainty about a job performance, misgivings over the results of a test or competition, lack of self-confidence, a passing panic about your favorite NBA team making it to the finals (#cavsarekillingme) or simple distrust in one's own memory --as in that nagging little voice in the back of your head asking if you're sure you turned off the stove this morning--  doubt is exhausting.

And sadly, not altogether rare.

Even the most prepared, skilled, intelligent, competent and strong-minded of us have moments of insecurity in which we waiver about our own capabilities. Shoot, mega-superstar singer/actress Barbara Streisand herself admitted having major doubt in her abilities; especially after she forgot the lyrics to one of her own songs while performing live in New York's Central Park in 1966. She didn't perform again in concert for nearly 30 years after that. And she's Barbara flipping Streisand. ​

Yep. Doubt can be a real crippler. But only if you let it, yo. Don't let it. 

The next time you feel that uneasiness creeping up the back of your neck; squash it like a mosquito. Steady yourself. Take a deep breath and remind yourself of all that you've accomplished to date. It's pretty impressive on the whole. You know stuff! 

Besides, no matter what little hiccups come our way; somebody up there still thinks we're a'ight and we got this. So take heart; have a little faith in yourself and put none in that worthless little bugger called doubt.

Oh, and check the stove like 47 times before you leave the house, just to be sure, capisce?

The Lord takes delight in his people. R. Alleluia. Let the faithful exult in glory; let them sing for joy upon their couches. Let the high praises of God be in their throats. This is the glory of all his faithful. Alleluia. Alleluia Jn 15:26b, 27a - R. Alleluia, alleluia. The Spirit of truth will testify to me, says the Lord, and you also will testify. R. Alleluia, alleluia. Gospel Jn 15:26—16:4a Jesus said to his disciples:  "When the Advocate comes whom I will send you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, he will testify to me. And you also testify, because you have been with me from the beginning..."

---