I remember one time when I was little that my favorite BFF, Julie, came to stay at my house for a few days while her parents were out of town. Being an only child, this was a great adventure to have a mock sibling, even if it was just for a few days. Oh we played, and played! What a joy. But when it came time for her to leave and her parents arrived to pick her up, I became frantic and desperate. I did not want her to leave, at all. In desperation, I grabbed out for her as she was running toward her mom to hug her and I tore the tie strap on her summer blouse. She looked at me in horror. I immediately felt ashamed and angry. But I wasn’t sorry, I was desperate for her to stay and play longer- permenantely! In desperation, I grabbed for what was not mine. She was not my sibling, she would not be staying or living at my house permanently. But she would always, and still is, one of my best friends.
Many times in life we grasp in desperation for something or someone that is simply not ours to be had. I read a daily bible devotional this week that stated “desperation breeds defeat.” Here is the link to that bible study: http://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/encouragement/11644495/ (Made to Crave, Lysa Teurkeurst). I had never heard that phrase before. It stuck out to me as though it was highlighted in the article. Think about it for a moment, let it sink in. Desperation breeds defeat. The more I thought about it, the more I realized this was truth. Anytime in my life that I have been desperate for something- chocolate, acceptance, popularity, etc., I have been defeated in my pursuits. It is like holding onto something in your palm so tightly that you squeeze it to death. You have to let it go and have an open palm in order to receive. I have always loved that visual.
Here is a visual tidbit: Signs of Body Language
Reading the “Clenched Fist” Body Language
Beware a Person with Clenched Fist (source: squidoo.com)
1) He may be frustrated over a certain thing.
2) He may be angry.
3) He may be resisting your opinions or statements.
4) It may be a sign of defensiveness.
5) It may indicate confidence.
Unclinch your fist, open your palm and simply let go…
Here is a final tid bit to entice, an old wives tale: an itchy right palm means that money will be coming your way!
Blessings,
Deidra {Dee Dee}Roe