Mar 17, 2018
Do you ever struggle with the right words to say? Someone tells you what they are up to, and this is not an invitation for you to tell them all the reasons you aren't doing the same thing. Try this on for size: "Wow. That's cool." For example, someone tells you that they are going to buy a new truck. Instead of telling them why you think that a bad idea, financially and environmentally, why don't you just say: "Wow. That's cool." The reason I am talking about this today, is because as a foster parent, I hear something that drives me, and other foster parents, crazy. It goes a little something like this: Me: "Oh yeah, I am a foster parent." Others: "Wow. I could never do that. I would get too attached." Me: Swallowing my feelings of confusion/annoyance/hurt. So today, we are all - and I am included in this, going to learn to respond with: "Wow. That's cool."
If you have said this to a foster parent before - do not feel bad or ashamed! I have personally heard this over 100 times. From family members, to friends, to waitresses, to people at the park. Sometimes we don't mean what we say, and sometimes people hear something that our words did not intend. But I am telling everyone - we still need to stop saying this. If you are about to become a foster parent - gird your loins. You Will Hear This. A lot. So prepare yourself now, and decide how you will respond. I used to feel so bad when people would say this to me. But I'm 4 years in, and used to the comment. I can now shake it off because Taylor told me to do so. I hope you will be able to do the same.
"Each one should test their own actions. Then they can take pride in themselves alone, without comparing themselves to someone else," Galatians 6:4
Let's remember that the choices that others make are not a reflection on who we are, or the choices we make. Let's be confident in what we are doing, and how we are living, that we can simply celebrate what others are doing. Empowered people empower people! Thanks for tuning in and see you again next Saturday!
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