My creator made this–near my home.
There are so many throughout history who would say, “It can’t be done.” or “You’ll never make it.” or “At this time in our culture, you just can’t expect anyone to be pure.” Or, Or, or
Scripture is full of nay sayers. God disciplined Israel for 40 years in the desert for every day they were “spies” in the promised land and looked at the giants and did not believe Him for His provision for fighting their battles to give them the land of milk and honey. Forty years in the desert is a high price to pay for lack of faith, but God made his point.
These are some of the things nay sayers said to me.
“You just may not be the type to get married.” (when I was 27) Got married at 28
“You may not be able to have children.” (7 pregnancies, 4 children)
“You don’t have the right kind of breasts to breast feed.” (Now that one was really funny—breastfed all 4)
“If you breast-feed this failure to thrive baby, (my first one–in neonatal care) you may cause her brain damage because you have had the flu and may not make enough milk. (She gained weight the first week at home because I let her eat whenever she wanted to–she gained over a pound the first week and thrived–even made a perfect scores on one of her college tests–evidently brain was not damaged.)
“If you start your own ministry or business, 95% fail financially and have to go under. It just isn’t the wisest thing to do.” (We went 4 1/2 without a salary, shopped at good will, etc. and by God’s grace got Whole Heart and Whole Heart Press up and going for the last 18 years.)
“Homeschooling is too hard. You will never be able to do it, especially not in the high school years.” Made it all the way through with each one.
“You will never teach this one to read.” reads and reads and reads
“He will lose his faith for sure. Look at the people he is running around with.” Didn’t lose his faith, loves God so very much and has a heart for those who are lost.
Satan would just love for us to give up on our ideals, on our marriages, on our family, on our kids, on church, on ourselves.
Now, I did have my days of doubt, and my pathways of darkness, but God kept speaking to us of faith and hard work and trusting Him and He never told us to leave our ideals in these areas. We are so very glad we did not listen to the voices.
Don’t listen.
Just don’t let them linger in your head. Have time in the word, pray, write down your commitment, hold fast and be a person of faith. Speak truth to your brain.
Now, Clay and I have new areas in which to say “no” to the nay sayers. May we live by faith and hope until we see Him face to face.
“But when I come back, will I find faith upon the earth?”
Thanks for all who have prayed. We need it and are blessed by joining you in the heavenlies. Thanks for your kind words and support. It means the world to us and to our children.
I needed this today, Sally! Thank you!
PERFECT timing Sally – again – thank you so much!!
Thank you so muc for this encouragement. I need it now , espcially since God gave me a new carreer. I have already heard a lot of negative thoughts and have been fighting against the naysaying. I was really uplifted ny your words. Love & prayers,
Carmen
As a new beginning homeschooling mama and as a Christian woman recommiting myself this year to the Lord and to my family, I really am so THANKFUL for women like you that God has called to inspire and encourage others. Please keep up the good work in Christ!!! God Bless You.
I am in hysterics over the “wrong kind of breasts” comment!!
Albert Einstein said, “The only difference between stupidity and genius is that genius has its limits.”
Susan
I’ve been hearing & sensing these “NO’s” lately from others & doubt is sneaking up on me. Thank you for reminding me to stick to our ideals even though it all looks impossible right now. With God ALL things are possible! I am trusting Him & waiting right now. No set income right now & planning to homeschool K this fall. I can’t wait to see how My Savior will be glorified!
Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Christ Jesus. Phil. 1:6
I’m saving your post. Right now we have a lot of nay sayers. If it is not about our choice to homestead it is about my website. I think what hurts the most is that most of the nay sayers are Christians. We are just trying to live by faith. Thanks for sharing your story.
AMEN! And that is all.
Your words of encouragement have encouraged my heart today to carry on the path my Saviour has set before me!
So good to read and be reminded of……we don’t have to listen to the “naysayers” I love that! Let’s listen to our heart and the one who made our heart.
Thanks for reminder to believe in US and HIM.
Absolutely love this post! Many resonated with me or I have heard many people that have been told these things.
Very timely words! Thank you!!
Once again such a wonderful message at that perfect moment. Thank you, Sally, for sharing your heart and your walk. You are such an encouragement and I am a better mom and wife because of your ministry. Blessings today.
Oh, Sally, how often we need these reminders. There really are so many who speak discouragement and there are so many lies from the enemy. Thank you for being faithful. I know that God is going to continue to do miracles in Whole/Mom Heart and He will do the “impossible”.
I’m constantly surprised (I shouldn’t be) by the number of people who “know” what will or will not happen with someone else’s children! As always, great encouragment! ~K
Oh! this was perfect timing. I am a mum of two very busy and boisterous and nocturnal boys, and an artist. I have a new show opening this week and the inevitable doubts and anxieties are filling my head space. “Why on earth am I doing this?!” echoes over and over. No one else is my naysayer (at least, not out loud) but I am. My own insecurities. My own self judgement. My own vulnerability about putting my creativity out on the line. And whilst juggling husband, kids, home and trying to cut a break as an artist seems impossible..all of it is my heart and my joy. Yes it costs money, yes it takes time and yes it certainly takes energy…and yes the idea of being an artist may seem ridiculous to some…but when it is God’s calling and Gods gifting then even my inner naysayer must be shushed!
Thanks for a timely encouragement Sally! http://www.joannadarby.com http://www.jeremiahsniece.blogspot.com
Goodness, I SO needed to hear this today. I have been really “listening” to the nay sayers in my mind lately. Sometimes I am the nay sayer to myself. Thank you for letting God use you to encourage homeschool moms! God Bless!
This post is so encouraging to me, and such a blessing. I really enjoy your blog and your books. I would like to begin homeschooling my oldest next year for 1st grade (he is currently in K at a Christian school) but I have no idea how to even begin and the prospect seems overwhelming. My son is asking me to do it. If you, or anyone else who reads this comment, could direct me to something to start with it would be much appreciated! I was hoping to order Educating the WholeHearted child from Amazon but I see it’s not available yet. Thank you.
Wow! The naysayers are working overtime in my head. As a student and single-mom, my Father has put on my heart to homeschool AND adopt. Thank you for the encouragement to follow the path He has set before me and lean only on Him.
Amen, Sally! When we are weak, God is strong. People don’t always want to see us succeed. To God be all the glory!
Lots of love and grace and peace to you and yours!
Love, Christina
Thank you! I really needed to read this today.