Groom As You Grow... by Pamela Ballard

As we go through experiences we learn what not to do, or what we should do. In essence it makes you wiser and a better person. Right? Well sometimes it doesn’t work out like that and you find yourself stuck in the same place over an over again. It leaves you discouraged, “busted and disgusted.” Why do you suppose that is? It’s because you didn’t groom yourself while you were dealing with the situation or struggle you tried to overcome. Example (1): You got in trouble, locked up in jail because you were guilty not by doing wrong, but by association. You get out of jail, three days later the same fellas want to hang out, and you go. Groom Tip: Change your environment and it could change your circumstance. Example (2): Your girlfriend gave you money to catch up on your bills last week. You get paid this week and have a little extra. You see this dress you want and think you deserve to treat yourself. You know that if you do get into another bind, your girlfriend is your ace in the hole. Your girlfriend doesn’t see you’re trying to help yourself and she is less inclined to help in a pinch. Groom Tip: Put the extra money in savings for backup until you are financially stable. Just because God allows things to grow it doesn’t mean it’s at its best. Grass grows but do you not mow it? Hair grows but do you not trim it? Nails grow, but do you not mani/pedicure them? These are all examples of grooming while growing. You actually grow faster and healthier if you groom. Grooming is the preparation you do to anticipate what lies ahead. Grooming is the isolation you go through to eliminate confusion. Grooming is the meditation on who you are, where you see yourself, how you see yourself, and how God sees you. Grooming is the sacrifice of instant gratification versus delayed gratification. Grooming is discipline and self-control. Grooming is acceptance of where you are NOW, taking responsibility for HOW you got there, and having courage to ALLOW the process to change you. Just like you trim your beard or arch your eyebrows, groom as you grow into a new you.