It frustrates me to no end when folks tell another folk how to feel or how they should feel.

Once upon a time….

I was teaching a class in Carrollton, Ga. I asked the adult audience what their WHY was for losing weight.

A young girl, thirteen years old, raised her hand. I smiled and called on her. She stood and said, “One day, I want to look like Miley Cyrus.”.

Her mom later explained that she was being picked on at school because of her weight.

I recall several adults shaming her because of her role model, saying that Miley was a bad role model for her. While this may be true or not true, I could see the young girl’s countenance change. She felt dejected and demotivated.

The Bible says that we should work out our own salvation with fear and trembling. What brings one peace doesn’t bring another peace. We are individuals. What motivates one may not motivate another. Those that are more mature in their faith should be patient with those less mature in the faith.

Goals and reasons change with time. I remember wanting to simply looks better in my clothes. Now, I want to honor God with my best efforts and with self-discipline for a deeper relationship with the lover of my soul. My goals have changed but I remember what it was like to just want to feel comfortable in my own skin for reasons that were not necessarily God inspired.

Never steal a persons WHY for wanting to do better. Never steal their vision. You may prevent them from obtaining peace or starting their journey.