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Here’s the Deal… No!

When my grandchildren hear me say “Here’s the Deal!” they know that what follows is non-negotiable. No amount of whining will change the course of what is to happen next.

I learned this gift of “no” early on in my faith walk. Back then, the words were “That’s just not acceptable.” Certainly, not as clear or powerful as “no,” but it was a beginning.

Rob Bell says, “You can’t say no until you’ve already said yes.”

Learning to draw boundaries had been a chore. It required I take ownership for my life choices; that I stop blaming others for my circumstance. It seemed so much simpler to go along with someone else’s view of the world. As a child, I believed that my voice didn’t matter. Under the rule of authoritative parents, I learned to shrug my shoulders and just agree. Perhaps that’s when it began… my habit of thinking to myself “I secretly know I’m right” and then going along with whatever was being said or asked of me. It seemed simpler, until I found myself alone with no one else to follow—wondering what decisions I would make, and feeling ill-equipped to make them.

At the end of myself—that place of hopelessness, where my life as I knew it just didn’t make sense anymore—I said YES to God. I said YES to trusting Him for my next steps. My first lesson in learning how to draw boundaries was to determine what matters most in my life. What matters most to you? Once that picture is vibrantly clear in your mind’s eye, you begin to say YES! It becomes non-negotiable and saying “no” becomes a natural response.

Practice makes perfect. Say it with me: NO, and again NO! Not today, thank you!

For many it will be trial and error. There will be days when you give in to old habits—people-pleasing, going with the flow. As you intentionally walk in this journey of purpose, however, you will soon be rewarded with the joy of accomplishing your goals—your life’s dream—God’s purpose.

Call To Action:

  • Have you been saying Yes when you really “think” No?
  • What matters most to you?
  • Is this your call to action?
  • What’s your deal?

But none of these things move me; nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. —Acts 20:24 NKJV

Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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Maggie Sabatier-Smith

Speaker. Coach. Author. Catalyst for Change. at Called To Action
"You matter. God said so. Do something about it!" Passionate about living a life that honors God is what speaker, coach, and author Maggie Sabatier-Smith teaches others. She believes in second chances - for both animals and people. Active in prison ministry and an avid pet rescuer, when not busy encouraging someone, coming up with new ideas, or facilitating groups, you'll find Coach Maggie enjoying her cafecito.
Maggie Sabatier-Smith
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Maggie Sabatier-SmithHere’s the Deal… No!
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