Mindset Monday: When Being Still is a Battle Strategy
The last couple of weeks have been brutal. 2 ER trips, a massive neighborhood flood, and the hardest parenting decisions I’ve ever had to make.
There is one scripture that keeps coming to mind over and over:
“Be as wise as a serpent and as gentle as a dove.” Matthew 10:16
It’s easy to understand being as gentle as a dove —be soft, kind, and loving. But what does it mean to be as wise as a serpent?
It turns out serpents are extremely still when they assess situations. They discern, examine, and wait until they know exactly what move to make.
I always thought being still was a peaceful act—“Be still and know that He is God.” But I’m learning that being still is also a battle strategy. Being still is not always solitude and quiet prayers. Vipers are still and snipers are still. And sometimes you are in a battle that requires that kind of discernment and strategic action.
Being still is waiting until you know exactly what to do and exactly when do it.
It’s responding and not reacting
It’s listening for direction
It’s waiting for the “This is the way, walk in it.”
If the floodwaters are rising in your life too, maybe it’s time to be still—not for the sake of serene solitude, but for waiting for the next directive in the spiritual battle you’re fighting.
Verse 💬
“The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.”— Exodus 14:14
What I’m Reading 📚
📗Sticking With/Enjoying:
Loved To Life: A 40-Day Pilgrimage with Love Himself That Will Change Your Life
When The Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions
📕Setting Aside (for now):
The Plan: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius - I don’t have the capacity for a planning book right now, but might pick it back up when I’m in the right headspace.
📘Finished & Liked:
The Tell: A memoir that explores how far we will go to protect ourselves, and the healing made possible when we face our secrets and begin to share our stories.
Almost French: The story of an Australian woman’s impetuous heart and finding love in a magical city.
📙On My Radar/Upcoming:
Atomic Habits: An easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones
The Echo of Old Books: A novel about the courage to rewrite our stories
Fun & Favorites 🎉
The work being done in Uganda is inspiring! 🎙️
Went to the Forrest Frank concert over the weekend. So much fun! 🎶
Always: Alitura skincare products 🧴
Saw a comedy show in Nashville recently and this guy helped us cope with parenting teens. 😂
Questions 🧭
How will you find time to “be still” this week? What battle are you fighting?