People Have Opinions

By Kay Heitsch

It's interesting how people have their own opinions on what we're doing. Especially when it's something different from what they would do.

If we want to follow God's plan for our lives, people may not always agree, and some may even do their best to discourage us. However, to keep on keeping on, we need backbone, not just wishbone. We will need to stand up for what we believe God has called us to do.

Years ago, after "In Loving Memory of Todd" was published, I briefly attended a church where the minister did not like Norman Vincent Peale. When he found out some of his members had come over to our home to talk with me, he didn't like it!

One Sunday night, I attended a service. He got up and tried to intimidate me. He made mention about looking into your child's casket, etc. I knew he was referring to me. Then, on a Sunday morning, he actually said from the pulpit that those who were associated with Norman Vincent Peale did not have the same spirit as he had.

That was it! I knew what had happened in my life. NVP's books had shown me Christianity in a way I wanted to live.

Dr. Peale's books were for the unchurched, which I was. His approach was to bring the unchurched into the Bible, helping them establish a personal relationship with the Lord and begin working out the plan God had for their lives. Which was precisely what had happened with me.

What's interesting is that these people who wanted to know what I had found that had changed my life were now geering! It got so bad that if they saw me in town, they crossed the street.

If you want to follow God's plan for your life, you will have to put up with people's opinions. It's not easy, and it can be very hurtful, but it's worth it! God will see you through to the end!