Whatever place does not welcome you or listen to you, leave there and shake the dust off your feet in testimony against them. Mark 6:11
My friend Jess always makes the best mixed CD’s for her kids’ birthday party favors. That’s how Taylor Swift’s song “Shake It Off” made it’s way into our lives. Although my boys cringe when it comes on, my daughter and I sing together at the top of our lungs.
I love the message behind it: Despite the mean things people think or say, shake it off. Unkind people try to drag us down. It’s a power play: a game created by them, with their rules, with them in charge. Why would we expend any time and energy on a game we’ll never win? If we even let them engage us, we hand over our power.
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Shifting My Perspective 
I just read this to the kids, it is a great message for ALL of us!
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I couldn’t agree more, Jess! Thanks so much for that CD. It really has had such a wonderful ripple effect on our lives. 🙂
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Wonderful advice. Sometimes it’s a challenge, as words can have staying power, but it’s so vital to remember. I’ve always thought about this in these terms: “Don’t give that (person / comment / concern) that much brain space.” Or, in TS’s words: “shake it off.” 🙂
Even better, we can remember that despite what others might say, God’s words over us convey love. Thanks for sharing!
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Oh I agree with you completely, Robin. Words have amazing staying power. And, unfortunately, negative words resonate longer and louder than positive ones. I’ve heard a couple people say they can get 10 compliments, but just 1 insult/critique can throw them into a tailspin even those 10 compliments can’t get them out of. That’s when we have to turn to God’s love. It’s the only way we can shake it off! Thanks so much for commenting!
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