I don’t know about you, but Beth Moore and I are practically BFFs. And by best friends, I mean, I read her books like a crazed stalker and she remains blissfully unaware that I live on this planet. Regardless, we’re always on the same page until she gets personal and smacks me with one or two Scriptures that I’d rather read than live out.
That’s when I decide that our friendship is over. In true mean-girl style, I want to call up every friend I’ve ever had and tell them how mad I am at her. I become a happy little Beth Moore deserter and throw her book down in an act of spectacular frustration. No white flag of surrender here; it’s victorious to see her face on the ground for a few days. My life is easier without her and those hard-to-swallow truths.
Take THAT, Beth.
Her books and I stage dramatic break ups so often it’s practically art. But the distance doesn’t last. Her blindingly white smile and sincere eyes burn a hole in me until I recognize the Spirit’s prompting to ditch my wounded pride.
My tumultuous relationship with Beth’s wise teaching reminds me of how middle school and high school girls often feel and respond to the gentle correction of women who are investing in their lives.
Their go-to behavior? Throw a secret tantrum. Forget Scripture. Seek advice that’s easier to hear. Don’t pray about it. I mean, who needs wise counsel? Talk to seventeen friends about the injustice instead. Shirk spiritual authority and accountability. Guidance is overrated. Besides, the problem is obviously everyone else.
Oh wait, am I talking about these girls, or myself?
Does anyone else identify with this? Why is it easier to get angry with the women who speak difficult Biblical truths into our lives than to acknowledge and tackle our own glaring sinful deficiencies?
As we work to teach our girls with kindness and wisdom, a la Proverbs 31:26, my prayer is that we begin to move toward responding to loving correction in our own lives with humble and teachable spirits.
Which means I need to go smooth out the crinkled pages of my book and wipe off Beth’s dusty highlights.
Embarrassed, party of one.
Pride and Prejudice: a guest post at Lifeway’s Girls Ministry blog.
love, allison 