This post is the third in the November “Sharing the Spotlight!” series. This post is unedited and comes from the heart of Pastor Brenda. I am grateful to Pastor Brenda Williams for being a contributor and sharing her heartfelt thoughts with all of us.
I remember that day very vividly. In two hours, I would be taking the written test to get my restrictive driving permit. I had to take a written examine that consisted of road rules and road signs. Failure to pass the test, would result in me not being able to drive ( with a licensed supervised driver). In addition, I had to wait another year before I could take the driving exam due to my age. I could only imagine my mother’s prayer life increasing substantially.
As stated earlier, one that desire to drive must take several examines and meet certain requirements. My concentration of study was heavily on the road signs. In some states, as in the Common Wealth of Virginia, your knowledge of road signs are tested and you are not allowed to get any of those questions wrong. Why? I’m glad you asked. If you don’t know the signs, you’re a danger on the road. These road signs direct us, warns us and gives us information that is imperative to our well being as well as the well being of others.
Discerning signs are critical, not only in driving, but also in dating and marriage. Let’s look at some signs prior to or during dating/ marriage.
* controlling, manipulative, bipolar
* physical,emotional or verbal abusive/ calm mannerism
* relationship with God/ parents/ siblings
* humorous / serious/boring
* generous / selfish/ tight wad
* habitually unemployed
* encourager
- What were some of the warning signs. triggers or red flags, you missed in dating and/or marriage?
- Perhaps you got the green light because all/most of the signs were within your expectations; please share.
Pastor Brenda Williams
Thank you, Pastor Brenda, for reminding us to recognize some warning signs in relationships. Knowing is everything! I appreciate you taking the time to share your thoughts about this vital “warning sign” matter in relationships. I enjoyed reading this post. It gives us all something to consider! May God continue to bless you abundantly as you continue to help others in so many ways. The Lord’s grace and mercy be with you.
This is so enlightening Pastor Brenda. Something most don’t think about in meeting people in general before establishing “any type of relationship”.
I myself have learned the hard way, through many accounts, that if it seems to good to be true, it probably isn’t real or true, especially when they try so hard to convince you that you are their world and no one else will care for or love or be by your side and be of a help and support to you MORE than them…that’s my warning sign, my trigger, my “red flag alert” sign!!!…although it could be true, I am just mindful to not let my emotions be my guide so that I can be on alert and protect my heart better.
Thank you again for this in-depth reminder in how to guard our hearts and be on alert from the warning signs, because sometimes the signs are subtle and not blatant, blocked by something else, for me, they are not always been prominent and in your face type displayed.
Love this! A lot of people ignore the warning signs. It’s almost like when a light comes on in your car. You can bypass and ignore it for as long as you want. But ultimately, the car is going to breakdown because you didn’t pay attention to the warning light/sign. Same for relationships/marriages. You can ignore the warning signs as long as you want but eventually, the relationship will break down. So let’s pay attention to the signs!