How to Neutralize ANTs When They Swarm

by Sandra Allen Lovelace  @SandraALovelace  #WallflowerWomen  #TimetobeYOU!

The Time to be YOU and Enjoy the Abundant Life women’s conference is over and I’m still alive. In the midst of 3+ months of preparation, some days I wondered if that would be true.

From the beginning, my relay team surrounded me with information, energy, and confidence to carry us through registration, two sessions, lunch, two more sessions, and Q&A. All in one piece by God’s grace.

Once the room emptied, my mind and body shifted into slow motion. God continued His favor as He granted the perfect change of scenery. My international friends and I hopped in my car and headed out. Our time together filling their shopping needs brought fresh delight, warm fellowship, and sweet peace.

Sleep overtook me as soon as I went to bed, but (as you may know) complete recovery after a major accomplishment doesn’t appear that quickly. No trumpet sounded, and no shout of “Charge” erupted. My eyes merely popped open in the middle of the night as ANTs marched over me.

ANTs, Automatic Negative Thoughts, often attack in the aftermath of an intentional and demanding effort. Maybe you know what I mean. Share on X

Was the environment too casual, too formal? Did I share too much, too little? Were there enough resources, too few? People said positive things, but were they just being kind?

Oh, Lord. I pushed myself as best I could, but I’m not sure how it went. Did the women receive the message You gave me? Were they encouraged?

In the past, these ANTs chewed me up pretty good. Old wounds intensified the itch from their biting words. But this round, God neutralized their attack. Share on X

When standards of perfection loomed before me, Holy Spirit reminded me about the fallenness of the world. Only God is flawless. As stress of not knowing what to do next threatened to overwhelm, Jesus responded with affirmation of His presence beside me. Befuddled in a way I haven’t known, my Abba called me to surrender the event … every aspect of it. And gave me the will and ability to do so.

The Heavenly Triumvirate used every detail of the entire experience to affirm His loving presence and lavish provision. May He become more as I become less.

Enjoy the song below, a musical response to my divine education.

Rejoicing on the journey,

   Sandra