Procrastinator’s hope: “The nice thing about things that are urgent is that if you wait long enough they aren’t urgent anymore.” Amos Tversky, psychologist
It is interesting how, when life goes off the rails, one can completely disengage from significant things like fines that are due, deadlines for case plan requirements, probation appointments, judge’s orders, etc. There is a sense in which, once hope is lost and the motivation and means to address urgent matters slips away, nothing apparently matters any longer.
As the women we work with discover, though, ignoring such matters does not make them go away. They’re still waiting for you when you come back to your senses and, generally, they have not remained static….they have become even more difficult to address. And yet, when one begins to seriously take responsibility for her neglect of important matters and starts to walk out a plan for solving her problems, there is a way through it. It may take time, humbling oneself, acknowledging mistakes, working off debt one small payment at the time, and listening to the disappointment and anger of others.
Years ago someone helping another person face things she had preferred to ignore said, “What’s the worst that can happen? It’s not going to kill you.” Recently, I heard another woman say something similar with surprise, “I got through that and I didn’t die! I can face whatever I have to face.” It does seem to be the case that whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. The result is that one regains a sense of personal agency and self-respect. While it is a personal journey, it is easier with a few godly friends alongside reminding you, “You can do this. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.” And they do.
There is a jewelry company, Premier Designs, that has a bracelet with is imprinted on the inside with this:
“She believed she could so she did.”
When the love of Christ is known and embraced, one finds hope and perseverance to attempt what had seemed impossible and believes that it can be done.
Love believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
This Premier Designs bracelet is the signature piece that Titus 2 will be providing for each of its students this month as part of the online fundraiser and a celebratory “spa day” on March 21. They will enjoy haircuts and color, facials, tips on accessorizing, and new-to-them clothing. They will each receive a gift certificate and discount to Lee’s Consignment Shop, too, to select some spring fashions or accessories donated by a ministry friend and supporter.
Help inspire hope. Visit the event page of Premier Designs consultant April Millender and place your order to support Titus 2!