I noticed something very interesting today at work. One of my coworkers stormed to the back, obviously not satisfied with the customer she had encountered, walked around the corner out of sight and sound and emphatically exclaimed, “Why does this keep happening to me?”…… Doesn’t seem that interesting, right? Just bear with me for a minute.
My coworker continued to go on about how every person she had encountered that day was just the same, and just as hard to deal with. Eventually she left the back and resumed working, but it wasn’t long before I heard another cry of injustice rise from around the corner. This time it rang, “I hate helping stupid people!” and it came from yet another coworker. Again the frustration waned and silence prevailed. I would like to say that that was the last of the outbursts, but they continued throughout the rest of the day. And honestly occur prolifically, every day. I’m not trying to bash my place of work, or my coworkers, nor am I trying to add to the epidemic by complaining. I am simply trying to share the epiphany I encountered today while watching these events unfurl. You see, I’m trying to spread the word about a disease that is going untreated; a disease that discriminates against no one. It can spread as quickly and as silently as the common cold, and is heavily understated in its severity. I am trying to share my recent discovery of the disease that is, negativity.
It is dangerous, easy to catch, easy to share, and surprisingly devastating. It shows immediate symptoms in the form of pious speech, clenched teeth, drawn mouth, pushy movements, and rolling eyes. In more severe forms it can take the shape of lying, swearing, anger, and doubt. It can be passed from person to person with a simple glance, action, or heavy sighing. It can defeat even the healthiest of spirit, and bring down the strongest of heart. It can lay dormant for long periods of time, only to spring into action when least expected. It is catching.
I know to some this may sound trite and childish, or possibly a moot point. I realize what I am saying is a truth already acknowledged, but it is also one so easily overlooked. I am writing this because I believe one of the best vaccinations for the illness is calling it out. Negativity is a present danger, and while the analogy of it being like a disease is tried, it doesn’t mean it loses its truth. Negativity is a disease, and it is causing illness among the human race.
No doubt this illness is one of the many birthed at the time of the fall, and still continues to seep out of the hearts of the fallen today. It stands contradictory to the essence of life breathed into us by our Creator, and often serves as an inhibitor to our view on His intentions. It can be passed between nonbelievers and believers alike; in fact, it seems that one of the greatest carriers for this illness comes directly from the most astute of Christian tongues. It is a nasty tool used most affectively by the enemy, and one that deserves our distrust.
This, as mentioned before, is my effort to aide in the fight against negativity. It is my stand against the lies and doubt it spreads. The cure is not as simple as a shot of antibiotics, but as effective as a shot of awareness. By recognizing it, calling it out, and changing your thoughts, you can be part of the cure. Speak life into others; encourage them and turn their minds to things that deserve their time. It may not cure them completely, but it slows the spread and protects your heart. Hey! Go the extra mile, say a little prayer for them. Talk about a cure!
Funny this post should come at the time of flu shots; 24 dollars to keep the rampant illness at bay with no promise that you will be protected. Well, this shot is free, and if taken, it can prove to be a lasting cure….try it! It isn’t as easy as the alternative, I admit. However, it is essential to a healthy heart and a much more enjoyable world.
Speaking out,
RDM
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