Oh, boy. Here she comes again. ‘Seems like she seeks me out every week. Lord, help me.
As Mrs. T. approached me after church, I braced myself for a lengthy, one-sided conversation. Mrs. T. loved to talk, usually about herself, her pains and struggles. As annoyance and frustration would build within me, all I could think about was how to get away without offending.
Now I realize there is a remedy for such situations.
I could have had V-8!
No, not the fortified tomato juice—the VICTORY x 8!
I can win over annoyance and frustration—when faced with situations I cannot change—even those circumstances much bigger than aggravating people.
The “times eight” refers to eight ways the battle can be fought. By implementing the following actions, victory can be mine:
- Confession and repentance provide the best place to begin. Lord, my attitude toward Mrs. T is negative and unloving; bitterness and self-pity have taken root. Help me to abandon those roots so they shrivel up and die.
- Forgiveness. You, oh God, have forgiven me of so much; how dare I withhold forgiveness from Mrs. T? Help me to remember that forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a commitment to lay aside the offense—as many times as necessary.
- Prayer for the person(s). Father, my first inclination is to pray you reveal to Mrs. T. how annoying her self-centered chatter can be! But your wisdom dictates I pray blessing upon her (Luke 6:28). Ease the distresses and frustrations in her. Show me how I can help, beyond providing a listening ear.
- Thought Control. Those resentful, self-pitying thoughts in my mind want front-and-center attention, Lord. Turn my focus instead to gratitude. Thank you for the privilege of being your ears and perhaps your voice for Mrs. T.
- Attitude Adjustment. Oh God, help me keep a proper perspective. On a “Scale of Measurement for Difficulties in Life”, Mrs. T rates only a 1 or 2. Forgive me for allowing such a small annoyance to steal my joy.
- Affirmation of God’s sovereignty and attributes. It is well within your power to redeem this situation, Lord. Help me to embrace the fact you may have a different plan– that redemptive change take place within me rather than in the situation. May I avail myself of your strength, determination, and wisdom for that change.
- Expectation. As Mrs. T. approaches, Father, remind me that you are working for my good and hers. My good undoubtedly includes growing the fruit of the Spirit. But it’s also possible you have planned an additional positive outcome that will surprise and delight—at the proper time.
- Perseverance. Thank you for that glorious promise in James 1:4–that perseverance in faith principles produces maturity and sound character. Thank you for the joy and peace that results—so much more satisfying that allowing frustration to fester!
Since those days of listening to Mrs. T, have I always applied V-8 to difficult situations? No. Annoyance, bitterness, and a host of other negative emotions can still crop up as challenges arise. This post was much more for me than anyone else.
When the next problem occurs and I feel weak to handle it, I’m serving up some V-8!
(Art & photo credits: www.quotes.gram.com; http://www.faithmessenger.com; http://www.pinterest.com; http://www.indulgy.com; http://www.pinterest.com.)
From the Inside Out 
Nancy, I love your message and must confess I needed to hear it. I sure hope I wasn’t Mrs. T though I thoroughly enjoyed and miss our after service chats. Love to you and Steve.
Oh, my goodness, NO, Ruth! You were most DEFINITELY not Mrs. T. You and I did have delightful chats, but always back and forth, not one way!
Nancy,
Such a wonderful post. Thank you for posting it!
God’s Blessings!
Thank you, Robbye Faye! I’m so glad you found the post meaningful.
You are welcome, Nancy.
God’s Blessings!
Nancy,
Good post and great reminders I will always look at V-8 differently and one that is always needed in our lives.
Blessings
Thank you, Janet. I think you’re right: from now on, V-8 will have new meaning!
Thank you, Nancy. I could drink some v-8, also. Growing in the Lord.
Can’t imagine you’d need much of this V-8, Nikki. You’re one of the sweetest-natured, loving people I know!
This is great and fun way to remember. I would have to slap my forehead though as the person yakked. We have a rather obnoxious person at our church. I try to remember he is a child of God too but it doesn’t always work. will keep trying….
Ha! I can just picture us slapping our foreheads to kickstart our V-8 strategies! Imagine the stares we’d get! Good reminder, Jean, to see the challenging people in our lives as beloved children of God. Another perspective-changer!
Thank you for that reminder. I have probably been the Mrs T a few times, and Thank God for the dear ones that let us vent. Praise God from whom all blessings flow, Love you, keep writing, God Bless you, Tedi
You were never Mrs. T with me! And, oh yes, thank God for those who have listened to me vent! That’s another item to add to the gratitude list for sure. Thank you also, Lord, for the encouragers, like Tedi!
Wonderful! The V-8 caught my attention immediately. One action stands out especially to me — attitude. It impacts everything. A negative attitude has no place in a Christian’s life. How we appear to others, as well as how we handle negative people is so important! Thanks for such a great post.
I agree, Cheri–attitude makes a huge difference. Sometimes it can be a real challenge to keep positive, but the effort is well worth it. To give in to the negative just leads to the doldrums. I very much want V-8!
Thanks for writing this… Here is something Chuck Swindoll said about attitude and my clients could see it when they came into my office.
‘Love Chuck Swindoll; ‘love this quote! I remember reading his statement about life being 10% what happens to us and 90% of how we react to it. Wise, powerful words! Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Samuel.