Kardashian. Just reading that word, you probably did one of two things: 1) rolled your eyes and considered X-ing out of my blog immediately, or 2) well, I'm not really sure what the alternative is, since I would have likely been in the first camp.
So many connotations to that name. Especially right now. If you're still reading this post despite the Kardashian-overload in the media the last few days (and every other day), bless you.
I had no intentions on weighing in on this whole 72-day-divorce debacle until I recently read a couple things about it that made me think, but hopefully not in the way you are expecting.
I in no way condone divorce as an acceptable solution to struggles in marriage (though I do realize sometimes it's not as simple as that), but in reading a short article on CNN detailing a few of Kim's statements about the situation, I couldn't help but empathize with her on one thing.
One of her quotes in the article said that she knew she should have ended her relationship sooner--before the marriage--but she just got caught up in the hoopla of the wedding and was afraid to disappoint people.
Wow. How many times in our lives have you and I felt the exact same way? How many times have you felt "too far into" something to quit or change your mind, for fear of what others would say, or fear of them being disappointed in you?
I can relate to that feeling. Putting more weight on the expectations of your friends, family, coworkers--or even strangers--than what you know in your heart to be right for you, or you know God is telling you to do.
But when you find the courage in your soul to step out in faith and do what you know is right, in the face of the real possibility that you might not be fulfilling the expectations others have for you, you might find that the people you're closest to will surprise you. And if they don't, and you end up having to walk just you and God for a while, you can rest in the fact that your faith grew that day, and He is always with you. Always.
Though of course I have no idea what Kim believes or whether God was consulted in her decision, her explanation made total sense. We have so many common experiences and feelings on this earth as human beings. This is just one more that reminds me we are all in this together, and we all need God's grace.
Have you ever felt you needed to do something but were afraid of not meeting others' expectations for you? What was the outcome?