I have always had a hard time saying no to people’s requests but even more so lately as I have become exceedingly more aware and concerned about the feelings of others. Don’t get me wrong, it is a great thing to be compassionate and identify with people’s needs but I am also learning that I must understand that I cannot always meet them. Basically, I am learning to say “no” without feeling bad. There are times when I am asked to go places, or do things with people that I feel the need to say “no” to. Sometimes I feel like there is a greater priority that needs to be taken care of and sometimes I just don’t want to go. I am learning that saying “no” does not make me a horrible person and it doesn’t mean that I just turned down a huge evangelism opportunity with that lonely friend. It simply means that I have learned a great truth: There is power in my ”no”. This small yet assertive word has the ability to bring discipline, order, and self control to my life. Another thing that I have discovered is that saying ”no” is as important a part of ministry as saying “yes”. Sometimes saying no to people’s requests for my time helps me to prioritize my life and seek out exactly what God wants me to be doing in that moment. It also helps me to remember the role that I am supposed to be playing in that relationship. Even if the person doesn’t have many friends and is lonely, I have to remember that I am not their bread. When I realize that I cannot fill their emptiness and satisfy their every need then I don’t feel so bad “letting them down”. I am but one beggar showing another beggar where to find bread. This is my role. To lovingly point the person to Jesus Christ, the source of all true fulfillment, in everything I do… even in my “no”.