“To let go is not to cut myself off; it is the realization that I cannot control another.”

My whole life, I have identified others’ failures as my own – taking on the responsibility of “fixing” those problems. As I grow, in not only age but maturity, I realize that this is a sinful area in my life. I see myself as having the power to “fix” someone or something.

I cannot.

I have to break my pride and “accept the things I cannot change.”

God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can,

And wisdom to know the difference.

Lander, who has faithfully invested in my life, taught me this prayer of serenity. When I feel anxiety creep in, I pray this prayer. In those moments, I realize that some things, I cannot control; sometimes, I cannot make someone take that first step; and I can NEVER walk alone in this process.

I constantly have to break my pride in this area.

I constantly have to remind myself that helping another does not define me or give me purpose.

“For You created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb.” (Psalm 139:13)

He created me with a purpose; He created me to live for Him and not another.

To be perfectly clear, letting go is not a sign of weakness – it is a sign of courage.

It is viewing yourself as a whole person; not having to find missing pieces to make you whole.

It is finding your identity in something more POWERFUL than yourself.

It is being selfless in order to step aside and know that YOU are not the answer to the problem, nor the cause of it.

So often I find myself letting God and his will fall to second place. What I believe can fix the situation holds first place, and that is ME.

I fall short. I make mistakes. If it were me leading others to safe ground, we would scarcely find it.

“Many are the plans in a person's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails.” (Psalm 19:21)