A Noose

A noose – a rope with a loop and a slipknot that binds closer the more it is drawn
How to use: You place a noose over an animal or person and tighten the rope with the intent to kill.
A noose is a great word picture for control. There have been people who have tried to control me, and it felt like a noose around my neck. Wanting to control felt wrong, but my loyalty to them overshadowed the dynamic.
I fought with the person or abandoned the relationship rather than identify why it was happening.
My eyes were open to this dynamic about controlling others. I began to see that I tried to control those closest to me. I had to take the log out of my eye to help me better understand what was operating.
Control is not loving. The thought of someone trying to control another person is unkind and horrifying. It means I want to be in charge.
When I ask,
"Who appointed me"?
"I better take charge".
These statements revealed that I was interested in the result.
I realized being curious and requesting input was a process to end at something beautiful and creative.
I kept digging deeper and realized fear was the culprit.
"If I am not in charge, then I am less than."
"If I'm not in charge, I'll be miserable with the results."
I love it when God shows up and provides a different perspective.
He shows me the better way.
As I thought about this, words came to mind: love, freedom, release, gentleness, let go, build consensus, community, ask questions, curiosity, and surrender.
Be still and know that I am God. Psalms 46:10
Jana said, "Control is when it has to look a certain way”.
The words "it has to", stood out to me. Why does it have to?
I get the selfish aspect, but why does it have to? I believe this is where the rubber meets the road. Instead of strangulation, I can find a better way.
When I picture a blank canvas, and invite others to write or draw on it, the results will be different than I imagined. It will look different than if I was the only one who drew on it.
We will pull our gifts, talents, and creativity together and create.
The finished piece will be a masterpiece. It will have depth, color, texture, and design.
I believe this is God’s better way. It’s better knowing there is beauty created with this concerted effort.
Coming together creates community, freedom, and love.
He will design and I need to trust Him while I allow Him to appoint the people He wants to do this with for the finished product.
The more I trust God, the more at peace I will be.
I believe this is God’s desire and blessing.