A Confession

Posted by Donna Bragg at 10:31 AM

Hello All, Grace and Peace be to you!

Today, I need to share with you what happened to me yesterday. I am not proud of myself at all. I am sharing this in case some of you may hear from the LORD through my experience.

A friend of mine is going through a really tough time and asked me If I could go get some sandwiches from the deli. He was packing out his house and he could not leave the movers.

I am at the deli, and ordered four large sandwiches (each sandwich was six inches long) with three kinds of meat on each, and with all the veggies on them. The sandwiches were all the same. The lady told me (very loudly in front of a huge line of people) "If you are going to have a big order like that, can you call ahead and give us a heads up?" She was curt about it when she said it.

I felt embarrassed! I thought to myself, "Why is she talking to me like that?" My face reddened like the fresh tomato behind the glass in front of me. When she spoke to me again, again she addressed me snipety! I could not understand why making four sandwiches was a big deal. It was sandwich shop, that is what they do! I began to address her in like manner!

I am a Christian and I always want to behave in a CHRIST-LIKE manner, but for some reason, I reacted like her! When I realized my tone and facial expression was anything, but CHRIST-LIKE, I really tried to change it, but it was too late, the whole line saw my behavior. I repented to her, then later to GOD!

Friends, I really feel horrible! What if someone in the line needed to see JESUS, or maybe the lady behind the counter needed JESUS! What if that was my only time to reach one them?

Every morning I spend time with GOD in prayer, and read HIS HOLY WORD, this what HE talked to me about yesterday BEFORE my unpleasant encounter...

James 3:6-12...
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tames, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we GOD, even the FATHER; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of GOD
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? Either a vine, figs? So can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

GOD was trying to tell me ahead of time to watch out, but I did not heed HIS WORD! I know I was not completely horrible, but it was evident I was a bit perturbed!

In the morning as I prayed, I asked GOD to pour out HIS wisdom unto me. Here is more of HIS WORD that HE spoke to me.

James 3:17...
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

I asked for wisdom, I read about wisdom, HE tried to give me wisdom, but I did not obey. What was wrong with me? This experience has totally gave me strength out of my weakness. I will be ready to battle my flesh next time. I know there will be a next time, because there are different personality types everywhere.

I feel led to go back and talk to her and try to really show her who JESUS is. I covet your prayers please!

GOD Bless You!!




 

7 comments:

voiceofbragg said...

We all far short, and honey you do not get that way on a daily basis, and if I know you, you will see this girl and square it away. I love you baby...

March 26, 2009 at 5:37 AM  

Donna Bragg said...

Thank you my love! I just want to show JESUS all the time. You are right. We all do fall short, but it hurts when we fall down...right?

I know GOD forgives me, but I hope she will too.

I love you too my honey pot pie!! MUAH!!! I miss you! Hurry home love!

March 26, 2009 at 6:03 AM  

Anonymous said...

You are so sweet!!

I want you to know that you are not alone in this. I grew up watching my mother roll her eyes at people and sigh in frustration.

Now I find myself sneering and turning red, I can be pretty BLUNT when my blood is boiling.

Because of God's grace in us, we immediately feel the shame afterwards.

I am still struggling with controlling my tongue and presenting a Christ-like demeanor.

You know what really convicted me recently? My pastor informed us that for many people, we may be the only Bible that they read :o)

GASP!! How true!

We need to captivate people with God's glow within us so we can lead them to Christ when they ask, "What's the secret to your happiness?!?"

Great post hon!

March 26, 2009 at 2:40 PM  

Donna Bragg said...

Martha,
I just want to cry when I think about that day, and how many people did not see JESUS because I did not heed GOD's warning. I normally am not like that.

Your pastor is correct!! GOD told me HIMSELF, and now I just want talk to her and show her who JESUS is, and it will settle my soul. GOD does not give up on us, HE uses every situation to grow us.

GOD definitly chastised me. HIS WORD says, HE chastises those HE loves, and that is where I find my peace. Does that make sence?

I know HE will lead me in my next step. I just hope I do not do that again.

Thank you sister!

In CHRIST's love,
Donna

March 26, 2009 at 3:29 PM  

Rick said...

When I read blogs like yours it reminds me how far away I am from being the person that I should be. I believe in God but don't belong to organized religion, I am getting a lot of insight, though, from reading posts like yours and I hope someday to become more Christ-Like, step out of myself more and reflect more often on the true meaning of Christianity and apply it to my own life more and more. Thank You for being here and blogging.

March 26, 2009 at 5:56 PM  

Donna Bragg said...

Rick,
Thank you for visiting me. I really so not think it was by chance. I believe GOD wants you to grow in HIM.
I have prayed for you my brother! I will continue. Please keep me updated on your situation. I want to be a faithful sister.

I hope you will come again and visit!

GOD Bless You!

In CHRIST's love,
Donna

March 27, 2009 at 4:52 PM  

Betty said...

I know about opening your mouth when you shouldn't. I go through that weekly. Working around alot of non christians it is so hard to keep showing Jesus though me. I was even told this last week that I was not acting like a christian should more than this other christian that I use to work with. I told this person " thanks for letting me know that" so I was made aware of my actions. So I pray that God will be more patient with me as I get back on the right road of what he Wants me to be. I don't have time to read the Bible like I want to but after Tues. when I get laid off from work there will be time for me to get back into his Word. I need him and his word to fight the evilness that has slowing taken over me. I love you so much Donna, I am proud of you and what you are doing on this blog, after reading all of your stories it just reminds me of who I am and that no matter what I do or say, That Our Heavenly Father still loves me. I just keep asking for forgiveness and I know he does forgive me but my heart sometimes still aches for remembering what I did or say. I love you so much, and miss you too. Your Mom

March 28, 2009 at 5:18 PM  

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