A Girl Can Love Pearls and Football.

With scrimmages underway, I’ve been thinking about challenge flags.

Recently, someone tried to guilt-trip me while ignoring their own behavior. Years ago, I probably would have accepted the penalty.

Not anymore.

Sometimes we need to throw the challenge flag. It’s a way to stop, review, and respond with truth.

In football, a challenge stops the game long enough to review the play. It isn’t driven by emotion. It’s based on the evidence.

Life works much the same way when we pause, review what’s been said, and look again before accepting it.

When guilt, manipulation, or false accusations come our way, we don’t have to accept the penalty. We can:

• Throw the challenge flag.

• Stop the emotional momentum.

• Examine the facts.

That’s one reason I love Galatians 6:5-7 (ESV): it reminds me to pause, examine the facts, and avoid deception…

“For each will have to bear his own load. Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches. Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap."

It reminds us not to be deceived. It calls each person to take responsibility for their own actions, and it reminds us that we all reap what we sow.

Truth never uses manipulation.

Stop and review the facts.

The Call to Action:

Sometimes guilt comes our way that isn't ours to carry.

Pause. Throw the challenge flag and look at the facts.

Ask God for wisdom before you respond. Own what is yours and let go of what isn't.

You don't have to answer every accusation. Let truth speak for itself.

today’s radiant insight:

Truth Never Uses Manipulation.