The title of this post was actually said by Ross Gellar, a character from one of my favorite sitcoms, FRIENDS. If you’re a fan like me, you know the reason why Ross shouted that line while reading a handwritten 18 page letter (front and back) from Rachel Green. LOL Long story short, he fell asleep while reading the letter, but didn’t want Rachel to know so he haphazardly answered her question correctly which rekindled there relationship.  After he finally read the entire letter, he realized Rachel was blaming him for there break-up and that answering her question meant that he was taking full responsibility for everything. He shouted a line that became a running joke until the end of the series, “WE WERE ON A BREAK!” LOL 😀

I had a moment similar to that. After reading a few lines of a very long correspondence, I decided to give a quick general response with plans to read it in its entirety later. (That was stupid, but I assure you that was a rare occurrence.) When I finally read it, I was surprised at the content and immediately regretted sending the quick response. My response pretty much agreed with everything. I literally felt like Ross because like him, I struggled with an agonizing tug to retract my quick answer and DEFEND myself.

I have spent a lot of time defending myself whether it was for my actions, my words, a lie that someone told on me, people holding one mistake against me, and the list goes on. As  a child, I would get really upset when I was accused of doing something I didn’t do. I would start crying and yelling, “NO I DIDN’T!!!” to the false accusation. My mother’s reply was always the same, “Well, if you didn’t do it, why are you crying and carrying on?” Although I’ve gotten a lot better, I still find myself in situations where I explain myself too much, without the crying of course. 😀

What’s my point? I decided not to defend myself or retract my quick answer because it really doesn’t matter. My mother’s response makes so much sense to me now. I’m not saying there’s never a time where you have to address a situation. I’m saying sometimes it’s more effective to stay silent and let it be. And by all means, don’t be like Ross and me, read your long letters (front and back 😀 ) completely before responding so that you know exactly what you’re agreeing with. Our Lord Jesus Christ loves us even when we mess up. If you’re ever feeling down about yourself, remember what Lamentations 3:22,23 says, “The Lord’s loving kindnesses indeed never cease, for His compassions never fail. ²³ They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness.”

And you can also visit my blog anytime to read about my mistakes to help you forget about yours. LOL 😀

Just blogging it out . . . Oh and HAPPY TUESDAY! 😀

BLACK HISTORY FACTS: http://www.blackfacts.com/