“When we are set free from the bondage of pleasing others,when we are free from currying others approval-then no one will be able to make us miserable or dissatisfied. And then, if we know we have pleased God, contentment will be our consolation. ~Kay Arthur- One of my biggest problems throughout my entire life, is that I have always tried to be a people pleaser. I never wanted to make anyone mad at me, or upset with me. I really wanted everyone to like me, and be my friend. I wanted people to accept me, and approve of me. Well, guess what? That is never going to happen, not everyone is going to like you, or accept you for who you are. The more you try to earn their acceptance, the more they will hurt you. I spent most of my life being a human doormat, being used and abused by people, that I thought were my friends. But, they only wanted to be my friend, when they needed me, then they would leave me. Sadly, even your family will take advantage of your kindness, they can sometimes hurt you much worse than friends. My eyes were finally opened, and I realized the truth. God is my one and only true friend, He will never leave me. He loves me, and accepts me as His own. No one can make me miserable unless I allow them to. No longer do I seek to be a people pleaser, only a God pleaser. Pleasing Him, brings me much contentment.
26 comments:
As an "old people pleaser" myself, I understand. It took me some time to find balance. After being a people pleaser I went to the opposite extreme and was very abrasive-didn't take ANYTHING from anyone! As time has gone on I have found my tendency to people please could be refined by God to be other centered with balance. I have learned to detach with love, not hostility-let others have their opinions, their choices, and let myself have mine...Yet still think of others and their needs in a healthy God-fearing way. Love you!
Hey Denise,
Thanks so much for hosting today's quote.
I just love Kay Arthur, the quote was excellent and so true!
I'm blessed to read you have truly found contentment in knowing who your TRUE friend is, Jesus.
Blessings to you Denise♥
This is a fantastic quote and it really just convicted me and ring so hard in my heart and my soul; I had been really hurt and down because of a recent circumstances where I tried to be a people pleaser and ended up getting more hurt and it was just so encouraging reading your post.
God bless you dear sister for your strong faith in God and your encouraging heart and words!
Way to go, Denise! Keep living for Jesus alone. Great quote!!
A recovering "people pleaser" here as well. Thank you for a great post and a great quote to reflect upon.
Denise - thanks for the reminder to look to Christ for our satisfaction and fulfillment rather than people. This is a great quote.
I'm so glad I'm not alone - I'm still a people pleaser, thoug I am definitely learning where my true joy lies.
Bless you!
Bonnie
I am not doing this meme...but I MUST say that this is truly one of the most poignant entries you've done. I love this. It's beautiful, it's truthful and it's ----right on!!!
Please only your maker and you'll go very far! Not only in life, but how you feel about yourself.
Excellent entry my dear.
Love the quote! Thanks for hosting today. I loved your post. It's great that you've found contentment in Christ. He is the only one we need ultimately please, isn't He? God bless you for sharing your heart, and happy IOW Tuesday!
Good morning Denise! Great quote, and a reminder to all of us to understand WHY we are doing WHAT we are doing! I've struggled with this for so many years, and it is still a difficult thing to deal with, but I think I'm learning to do what is right no matter what other people think, say, or do. Can't change 'em anyway! Nina
I had intended to write about something else here but current, personal events triggered this post. I hope it does fit the theme.
I already told you how close to home this hit. Thanks for choosing such a great quote Denise and for always being so open and honest about your love relationship with the Savior!
Great quote, my friend. Maybe you should start a PPA blog (People Pleasers Annonymous) for all of us recovering people pleasers.
WOW, my friend! God is really using you to speak to me today and countless others, as well! This is exactly what I needed to hear today, it fits what I am going through. A whole other storm just errupted in our family last night. Thank you so much for this wonderful quote and your wise words.
Love and Prayers,
Julie
I get busy with the ordinary and I feel hurt by poeple's attitude, then I stop by you and I read your post, my sweet, wise friend. As I grow up, I realise that pleasing God is all that matters. It takes effort and a godsent quote to remember. Thank you.
Wow, what a touching quote for me this week! Our Sunday sermon was about this as well. God must be trying to talk to me! Thank you for making me remember what we were taught on Sunday and try to apply that to today.
I'm new to this meme and would like to know where I can find the code to include the "In Other Words" button on my blog post.
Please help!
Boy that is a lesson many of us have had to learn over the years. I like your comment about no one can hurt me unless I allow it.
Thank you for hosting. I'm glad you have found contentment in the Lord.
Be blessed!
What a great quote this is. Thanks so much for picking this and sharing. It made me do some thinkin'!
I also put up your new quote. Thank you.
Denise, wow! This is very good stuff! I think so many of us struggle in this area! I know I have come a long, long way. But, I still have a long way to go. I am running out of time as a parent of a child to get this right in my parenting. Right now, it is my achilles heel!
Thank you, my friend for sharing your heart!
xoxo,
Maria
I too, am a former member of PPA. I had to learn a lot of hard lessons myself, (friends and family both, too.) I so feel you on this one. A big ole AMEN from me, sister!
I can so identify with you and all these ladies! Thanks for the reminder denise!
I too have had the problem with trying to be a people pleaser all of my life. I am also learning to that my worth comes from God not human.
Excellent point. I have never really thought of it this way. It sure takes the pressure off. I'm with you on this. Better to please God since you really can't please everyone else so easily.
I've also learned over the years that you can't please everyone and if you try you'll only make yourself miserable. You're so right Denise, it's pleasing God that brings true contentment.
A little late, but better than never!
Very true words indeed. It can be tough to remain in stride and not teetering when the world tries programming us to aim for different standards.
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