Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Ms. Happiness

So this week we are looking at Ms. Happiness from Behind Those Eyes, Lisa Whittle's book. Orange items are direct quotes from Lisa's book.

What incredible timing. Today I put on my fake smile and went to work. No one had any idea my fibromyalgia was flaring up and I was in a lot of pain. No one knew that I was tired of dealing with my clients who tell blatant lies to get their way. I was Ms. Happiness today, as I am many other days.

May I share something? Pretending to be Ms. Happiness is not fun. Lisa said "someone can easily impersonate happiness without having it." Personally I think she's a cousin of Ms. Perfection! We pretend to be happy because we want everyone to think good things about us. We want to look like we "have it all together".

Lisa points out "Ms Happiness's A-plus efforts just aren't enough to produce the results she desperately desires." Ahem! Mrs. Whittle those are my toes you are stepping on.

Did my plastic grin make my pain go away? No. Did it make my fibromyalgia go into remission? Absolutely not. what about my client, were they any better. Umm, that would be a no as well. So all I did was waste energy trying to make other people think all was well. It wasn't.

So how do we get out of this fakeness, this happiness pretense? Get joy. I know, I know. You want to know how you can "get" joy. Lisa has the answer. "True joy comes from within when we are operating in our life in the way that pleases God."

So the very simplified steps are:

  • Make sure you have the Holy Spirit living inside you (if you are not sure about that visit here)
  • Find out what pleases God (i.e. read your Bible and pray)
  • Apply those principles in your life consistently

Pretty simple huh? Let me close with what I think is Lisa's most important sentence in this chapter.

"When we go to the real Source of joy, we find the answers we need to secure our contentment in life forever."

As always, be blessed and from now on, be joyful!

Be sure to stop by Lelia's for more great insight and to fellowship with other's doing this study with us.

15 comments:

LeeBird3 said...

Hey lady,

I didn't know you have fibromyalgia. No fun. As I read your post, I feel a question coming on. On one hand, I think it's important to be real with people. But, on another hand, are we supposed to lay our problems out for everyone to know about and deal with? I guess there's a middle ground. Maybe keep your smile because God's on the throne, but admit that today isn't your best day health-wise and you could use a little tenderness from your co-workers. Praying for a better day for you tomorrow. Love, Lee

{darlene} said...

Thank you for telling me like-it-is this morning! I love this: "So how do we get out of this fakeness, this happiness pretense? Get joy. I know, I know. You want to know how you can "get" joy. Lisa has the answer. "True joy comes from within when we are operating in our life in the way that pleases God."

So the very simplified steps are:

Make sure you have the Holy Spirit living inside you (if you are not sure about that visit here)
Find out what pleases God (i.e. read your Bible and pray)
Apply those principles in your life consistently."

Obey. obey. obey.
then joy will come!

Amy said...

Your "Get Joy" comment reminds me of the "Got Milk?" ads....Christians could use some "Got Joy?" advertisements as a constant reminder, don't you think?;)

God Bless,
Amy:)

Kim@Seasons of My Heart said...

Thank-you so much for brightening my morning!!!

Great...great..post..with many thought provoking things for me to ponder today!!!

Jill Beran said...

Thanks for giving me even more to think about! It has been great reading this book and all the thoughts it creates. I pray we all stay focused on His joy as the journey continues.

Paula V said...

You are the second person to reference Ms. Happiness being a cousin or relation to Ms. Perfection. I so agree with that. I like your simple steps to joy.
Sweet Blessings,
Paula

Runner Mom said...

Hey, girlfriend!
Like Lee, I didn't know that you had fibromyalgia! Bless your heart! ( And I MEAN that!)

Your post brought out so many highlights from the book. I agree that we have to have the Holy Spirit in us to have that pure joy. It's not always easy, especially when we're not feeling 100%.

I'll be praying for you!
Love you,
Susan

Carol said...

Thank you for sharing that. I've gone to work the same way.

I have a dear friend who suffers from fibromyalgia, oh may God heal and strengthen you.

Yes that it's a hard line to walk, between being real and not letting everyone see your just not feelin it today.

Love this; Make sure you have the Holy Spirit living inside you (if you are not sure about that visit here)
Find out what pleases God (i.e. read your Bible and pray)
Apply those principles in your life consistently."

So true. I found this verse while reading this chapter:

On a good day, enjoy yourself;
On a bad day, examine your conscience. God arranges for both kinds of days So that we won't take anything for granted. Ecclesiastes 7:14 MSG.

It spoke alot to me thought I'd share it with you.

Leaon Mary said...

Mari,
I have a friend who has fibromyalgia, and she says the pain is so bad sometimes, it's unbearable. I'm so sorry you too suffer from this. I just prayed for you, and will continue to keep you in my prayers.
I too; have plastered that phoney baloney smile on my face and pretended all is well when really... it couldn't have been further from the truth. There were times I should have won an academy award, so I understand!
You did a great job sharing your heart through this post and I believe with all my heart that sharing about the pain you deal with will help many others.
Blessings, Health n Love,
Lea
<*)))><

Anonymous said...

Hello Mari,

Nice to "meet you"

It was funny to read that you also thought Ms. Happiness is related to Ms. Perfection--I posted a similar thought!

I loved your simplifed list--it is just that simple but I continually fall away and have to call on Jesus to pull me back to him. Satan is at work but God is working harder. :)

I really enjoy reading everyones thoughts.

Hope you are feeling better today.

blessings,
Kim

Aunt Angie said...

OH this book is revealing so much! ABOUT what we try to deal with on our own...instead of letting GOD just take it and us be REAL.

Your post was so very encouraging!

Pamela (His maidservant) said...

Girlfriend-you can come over anytime to sit in my red paisley chair!! Please!?!?! I do wish you were closer.
When I read your post that fun peppy song "Don't Worry, Be Happy" came to my mind. It's upbeat rhythm goes with your personality!!

Miss you!!

In His Graces~Pamela

Wanda said...

Great post, Mari.

I have fybromialgia too. I was diagnosed in 98 while we were in seminary. It was a total bummer.

I have had ups and downs....but life is so darn busy...you almost have to force yourself to function. At least I do anyway.

I've learned to take it easy and rest...I have to or else.

Lelia Chealey said...

Hello!
Loved your realness in this post. Yes pretty simple stuff, so why can't we stop all the pretending?? The funny thing is when our girls don't act real we call them out on it immediately. ~sigh~
We'll get this down someday sooner than later right? :)
Great insight.
Love ya,
Lelia

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