Have you heard about the movement to stop complaining? Reverand Will Bowen had divine guidance when he rolled this one out.
Scientists say it takes people 21 days to form a new habit. His idea is to wear a bracelet as a physical reminder to stop complaining. If you do complain, you move the bracelet to your other wrist, until you have gone 21 days without moving it.
The average person complains 15-30 times a day! Reverend Bowen says 6 million people, in more than 80 countries have already requested their bracelets. 6 million times 20 (complaints per day) = 120 million complaints thwarted. Wowza. Not as easy as it sounds, it took him 3 1/2 months to get 21 consecutive days of non-complaining; it has taken others up to 7 months. But the progress is in the effort.
Withholding complaints is not a new concept. Do everything without complaining or arguing (Phillipians 2:14). Words have power. Speak life! If I say, "I will forget my complaint, I will change my expression and smile." (Job 9:27)
I have an aversion to laytex, so I'm wearing a stretchy pearl bracelet instead of the free purple ones but the groundwork remains the same. Are there circumstances in my life to complain about? Yep. But His grace exceeds them! I said in the beginning of my do over that I didn't intend to waste it. Just eat your brownie, remember? Complaining, itself, is a waste.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (Ephesians 4:29) Those, my friends, are true pearls of wisdom.
Day 1,
Carolynn
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7 comments:
I remember these bracelets when they passed them out at work of all places. Within 5 minutes people were switching wrists and then others had to switch for pointing out other peoples flaws. I will admitt I didn't do it long b/c I bow my head in shame that I'm a pro complainer. I still have to tell myself over and over if you can't say anything nice don't say anything at all.
I remember that push to stop the complaining: I thought it was awesome then, and awesome still. I do need this reminder. How easy it is to take for granted all of our blessings! Thanks, Carolynn.
xo,
Keri
I love that verse in Epehsians!
Excellent post!
Ok, I came over in a silly mood and had this funny whinging comment prepared-- but then you go and put such a meaningful thought with great scriptures to back it up that I decided to behave.:-)
This is a great idea and if anyone could lead a movement, it would be you!
Okay Carolynn, I'll give it a go. But to be honest, unless it rains very soon, it's going to be a tough call!
And if these kids don't start making their beds....and picking up their clothes....and emptying their lunchboxes....
How do you think I'll go?!?
Oh Carolynn, I need to try this. I wonder how long it would take me. I am a terrible complainer.
I am quite a complainer. In fact, I started my blog to help me focus on the positive and to find joy in any situation. I am thinking a physical reminder like the bracelet might help me even more.
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