We are standing on the threshold of change. To some it will represent new beginnings and possibilities, to other’s heartbreak and loss. I’ve been thinking about how I am going to respond to both and want to challenge you to do the same.

If the outcome of this election does not represent the values and beliefs I embrace, I must make some choices. I need to look at the reality of the situation and decide what I am going to do with it. Walk in anger and cynicism, or take a step back and look for ways that I can get on board with and help bring positive change.

If the outcome represents my viewpoint, then I must think about how I can support my friends and relatives devastated with the outcome and come alongside them. We must do all we can to prevent civil war and family splits to help rebuild this country to its greatness. The world is counting on us.

In the past, I struggled with gray areas or uncertain situations that come with change. Having to decide on what position I will take or which way to go can be hard for me. I hesitate, not moving until I can decide which option I value or I do nothing at all. I’ve concluded that doing nothing at all is not an option.

In my last blog, An Awakening, a friend’s challenge to me began a search for what I want and what I don’t want in life. If you’ve read any of my writing, you know that my quest is to live with a heart fully alive. Conforming to what I don’t want does not fit in with that quest.

So I got busy embracing the challenge for what I want and don’t want in change by turning to truths and beliefs that my article, New Beginnings, talks about. Then I can decide with confidence and be comfortable with the absolutes I’ve adopted to live by.

Getting more familiar with my emotions during change helps me put words to how I’m feeling. Then, I can better see the decision I need to make in the gray. I do this by identifying and naming the emotion and not judging it as good or bad. It just is.

My next step is to identify the reason for the feeling. Is it something happening now or is it related to the past? Then, I can take the action the emotion calls for.

One action I’ve learned to do is listening to my friends and relatives that believe differently than I do. It helps me hear their hearts and understand them better. Hopefully, they will want to do the same with me. Then I can practice assertive action with conviction and truth.

Most of all, understanding what makes my heart come alive is paramount. Otherwise, I’m settling for mediocrity and conformity. I need to stand up for my beliefs and take a good hard look at expressing them with love and understanding. I must choose to eat from the Tree of Life and avoid getting caught up in negative emotions stemming from past trauma issues.

Romans 12 says, “Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live, in a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes”. The Passion Translation

Have you caught yourself grappling with the right words to express how you are feeling in conflict or challenging situations? Does change bring fear and instability in your life? What do you need to do to be better prepared for change? Learning to trust the Holy Spirit and hear His voice will lead you. He is faithful and true!