Rose-Colored Glasses

I’m not so “color blind” that I don’t see or know what goes on in the world. Shoot, living with people constantly trying to intimidate me and keep me under their control, don’t you know that I can spot ’em a mile away! I know the tone of voice. I know the “look.” I can read the body language and attitudes. I have been schooled in the “Classroom of Intimidation.” But even though I have been healed of all of that and no longer allow it to control my life, don’t for one minute think that I walk through life with rose colored glasses on!

Being healed does not mean that things are always bright and cheery. It doesn’t mean that the birds always sing and the grass is always greener. Because the attacks still come. People still try to intimidate me. They still talk to me in a patronizing tone.

There are people who still act all blown up about something, blowing out dramatic sighs in my presence, while looking at me through their eyelashes to see if I have noticed. The difference is that I don’t allow it. And frankly, most of the time I call them out on it! Lovingly, of course, but boldly. That surprises many, many controlling people, let me tell you. Especially when I stand there and look them square in the eye.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. ~Ephesians 6:14, NLT

These situations I find so ridiculous that it literally makes me giggle! The last time someone tried to intimidate and bully me, they used the same tactics on me that they had used since I was a little girl: Yelling in a forceful voice. Since it was a phone call, I couldn’t see their face. But I could hear the tone. Intimidation. It was meant to make me cower. It was directed at me in a way that used to cause me to give in. But this time… I didn’t. This time I stood my ground. And an amazing thing happened…THEY backed down!

So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you… ~James 4:7-8a, NLT (emphasis is mine)

Oh Loves, let me tell you something; the enemy uses many, many people to intimidate and control others. He will make your life miserable if it means keeping you from the wonderful promises of God! But the minute you turn around and take a stand, he gets confused. But here is where it gets even better… the victory was won over two thousand years ago, on a big, ugly, cross, when Jesus took everything in our place! Can I get a Woot-WOOT!

There are people today who believe I walk through life with rose-colored glasses on. I don’t. My rose-colored glasses got broken the day Jesus healed me! That rosy color now comes straight from Jesus. And it’s the most beautiful color. Because that rosy color is from His blood, which washed me so clean that it’s actually WHITE!

I have so much color in my life now because of my healing! There is clarity. There is peace of mind. There is a fullness that I cannot explain. There is peace. There is joy, happiness, fun, boldness, and most importantly… LOVE! Trust me, Lovelies, there is so much love that I can’t keep quiet about all that the Lord has done, and keeps doing, for me. That’s why I write. That’s why I share.

So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free. ~John 8:36, NLT

Those who wear rose-colored glasses are the ones who are blind to the truth. They walk through life every day accepting things as they are. But those who know the Truth have been set free! We don’t accept things the way they are because we know that things can only get better. Why? Because Jesus is right in the middle of it, that’s why!

Take off your rose-colored glasses Loves, and be FREE!

Shelley Wilburn

Shelley Wilburn has been writing since the age of twelve. She loves stories and adventures, and often finds herself getting into mischief with any one of her six grandchildren. She has written several articles and devotionals over the years for various newspapers, women's magazines, and newsletters. She has also co-authored devotionals. Shelley began writing full-time in 2012 after being healed of over 40 years of depression and anxiety. Using her love of writing, and wearing mismatched socks, Shelley has developed a unique ministry of encouraging others using biblical truths and stories from her own personal life. When not writing, you can find Shelley and her husband of over 30 years, D.A. zipping down the road in their newest adventure-maker, a bright orange, Mustang convertible Shelley has laughingly dubbed The Pony.