Do you have an uninvited buddy who travels everywhere you go? A passenger who whispers negative messages in your ear that aren’t true. Yet a part of you believes them; you’ve heard them so long.
I do, and she’s no girlfriend. If she were, I would’ve dumped her years ago.
Sometimes we get stuck with a relative who finds every opportunity to put us down and we tolerate their negative criticism because … Well, why do we tolerate it, anyway? My parents were extremely supportive; they never would have spoken to me the way my “friend” often does—perched on my shoulder, hissing and spewing in my ear all sorts of negative conversation from: “You’re having a bad hair day” to “Who do you think you are, writing a novel?” I wouldn’t criticize or scold anyone that way. Yet I hear every note I sing off key or incorrect word, and when I pass my neighbors’ homes I chide myself for not having a beautiful garden or front porch as they do. Sounds silly while I’m writing it down, but all too true.
I think of my big sister, who was incredibly kind and still is. She had a great influence on me, and she chose to be generous. Leaving my second grade teacher as the culprit? She was so nasty she made me stay after school one day because I misspelled my name. (In the second grade!) And I had a hideously mean teacher in high school who threw an eraser at one girl and made her cry, but although she raged at me vocally, I stood up to her. So, where do my negative inner-voices come from?
Entrants must be USA or Canadian residents only. Winner has one week to respond. Email address required! Please leave an email address so winner may be contacted!
Congratulations to RDvorak, winner of last week’s contest for an Amish-made tea towel and a copy of either Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster!
Thank you! You’re entered.
This post made me smile. I have a “friend” like this too. She seems to show up most when I am at my lowest and need encouragement not negativity. Love your books!
Funny how that happens, Angela!
Too funny. Excited to read your books! 🙂
Lis.OGara@gmail.com
Thank you!
I have a mean “friend” too. Telling me how no good I am.
Thanks for your writing, your honesty, and your realness.
Thanks for your encouraging words! Now, that’s the kind of friends I need..
would love to win and I do have friends that tell me things but also have have great friends
donna_mutlick@yahoo.com
Great friends are like precious jewels! Thanks for writing!
There is always someone who tears others down to build themselves up, just try to not listen they do SHUT UP with no response.
They’re harder to ignore when they’re in your own head. But over the years I find my negative voices are shutting up.
Hope your having a wonderful day. Thanks for the chance to win one of your awesome books.
Blessings
joeym11@frontier.com
Thank you, Diana, I’m having a wonderful day! Hope you are too!
The quilt that you’re showing is absolutely gorgeous. I’m thankful for the chance to win your books. I’m an avid reader and love Amish fiction and noon-fiction.
Thanks and blessings
mommna01@gmail.com
JudyLynn
Thank you so much for visiting my blog!
Loved this post! I’m a freelance editor and am starting my first Christian fiction novel. This post hit very close to home. Thanks for putting things into perspective. My dubious friend did tell me not to enter, but I am choosing not to listen lol! Thanks for the chance to win a copy of one of your books! I am sharing it to facebook and twitter!
tscmshupe [at] pemtel [dot] net
sallyshupeseditingservice.weebly.com
Thank you very much, Sally! Your so called friend will probably try to convince you not to finish your book, but persevere!
Mine would be my husband. He know the words to say and do to really hurt me. Would love to win. Tammy Hudson HUBTIVOLI1@YAHOO.COM
I wish I could send you a copy of Judy Bodmer’s book, When Love Dies, from the post right above this one. But fear not, you are entered here! Thank you for writing!
I think my ‘friend’ is often times different members of my closest famiy. I think differently than they do and am glad I do!
Katie Edgar
katie07edgar@gmail.com
We can choose our girlfriends and spouse, but not our family … I’m glad your secure with the way you think!
I love that quilt that was pictured with your books. Beautiful. Have both of these books and will be reading them soon.
Happy reading, Juanita! Thanks for writing!
Amish quilts are so beautiful
All of the time. The key is not to listen to it. Love reading your books.
Dawn Crawford
dcofohio@yahoo.com
Thank you!
Love reading your books. Beautiful quilt also. Love to win. sharon, ca wileygreen1(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thank you for your comment!
Beautiful quilt. I love quilts. I also love reading Amish fictions too. Either book would be great to win. I myself am my worst enemy. Tho I can be strong for others, sometimes my
“friend” tell me other wise. thanks for the chance to win.
You and I seem to have a lot in common, Ann! Good luck in this contest!
I have Leaving Lancaster and can’t wait to read Pennsylvania Patchwork. Speaking of patchwork, the quilt is absolutely beautiful and would look lovely on the quilt rack/shelf hanging over mine and my husband’s bed. Thank you for offering this to your readers.
jociadam@hotmail.com
Cindy, in the past I have offered 2 Amish quilts and a wall hanging, but this contest is for books only: a choice of Pennsylvania Patchwork or Leaving Lancaster. More giveaways in the future … good luck with this contest!
Would love to win your book. I haven’t read either of them.
Thank you!
This resonated a lot with me as I had a very critical father and somewhere along the way, I internalized that voice and became my own worst critic. I’m certain that part of the Holy Spirit’s work is transforming me into someone more living of others and myself. My email is ljgarrity80@gmail.com, thanks!
Your comment has touched my heart. I pray the Lord fills the empty holes your father’s barbed words left behind and that you will grow to accept yourself as the beautiful creation He made.
I would love to win. Thank you for giving me a chance to win. Sharma Darby.
This comment has been removed by the author.
Thanks, Sharma!
Unwanted friend? I can’t say I have one, really. All my friends are my friends because I want them to be such. I love them all.
You are blessed, Sonja!
This contest is officially over. The winner will be chosen by random and announced Monday. Thank you to all who entered, especially those who left touching and meaningful comments!
Ok