“Larry, you are just too loud.”

People have said this to me constantly throughout my life.  I have been told that my brashness and overbearing attitudes need a little “softening”.  I tried to meter myself most of my life, but the same comments seem to be whispered where ever I go. It was OK to be a little loud as a kid, never-the-less as an adult it sometimes simply becomes too much.  Those around me, in meetings and gatherings, would simply interrupt my pontification and not let me finish my thought because I was monopolizing the conversation.  These efforts and comments seem to motivate me to get a little louder, a little more vociferous to make my point.

The older I get, all these gentle nudges, comments, and queues, the more frustrated I have become.  Why do my helpers always want to change me?  Do they think I can just flip a switch and become someone else?  Is there some magic button I can push to make myself more acceptable to those around me? If it were that simple.  I want to be accepted as I am.  I desire to be accepted.  I try to meter my speech sometimes just to get along.  But every effort to put on that mask for someone else, causes me to suffer.

I want to be appreciated.  I want people to include me. I want people to like me.  I want to be accepted for who I am.

Acceptance as a motivator or a desire has its good side and its bad side.  Acceptance as a desire or a motivator is a common thread in all.  We post on Facebook in the hope someone might just respond with acceptance.  We drive at or slightly above the speed limit because it is the accepted behavior.  It feels good when a compliment comes your way pertaining an idea or an effort of yours.  It warms your heard when someone goes out of their way to acknowledge your being a part of their lives.

On the other, more dark side, it can lead to judgments without examinations.  It can lead to shame used as a whip to bring someone into line with their expectations. Acceptance can be a very negative motivator when it becomes the only sign of self-worth.  Acceptance can be very negative when it is used against you.  Acceptance is terrible when it is the only thing that motivates you.  Acceptance by others can become the only measuring rod of your life, the only thing that marks your being loved.

So, hear me when I say to you:

You are a human being, you are an image-bearer of the Most High God.

You are accepted here.

You belong to this earth.

You belong at the feet of Jesus and are accepted.

You belong within and are accepted by a community of like-minded believers.

You deserve to be accepted for who you are.  Don’t let the rejecters and judgments of others tell you different.  Don’t buy into their schemes and lies.  You are accepted by God.

The Lord is my Shepherd, and that is all I need.

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