CYNTHIA CARTER: Change takes courage and faith

Grandma, I’d like to make a change in my life, but I don’t know how and I wonder if it’s too late.

The choices we make, good or bad, can affect our lives in a long way. We are responsible for our own lives when we become adults. That’s why it’s important for us to try to make the right choices. We should not be afraid to ask or share what we’re seeking to know.

We must make a profound change in the way we approach everything, taking full responsibility for our lives. Remember, you are the main person who will help you. You can choose to do the things that make you feel good or the things that make you feel bad about yourself.

I don’t know why people don’t change, knowing that they are unhappy with their present situation. I believe it’s because they use the words “I can’t change” or “I’m too old to change.” I bet we call know someone who has said these very same words.

If you say you can’t change, you will not be able to. The word “can’t” will not let you. You also cannot change by yourself. Help is needed, and help comes from the Lord.

Change is scary. Many people know what is at present but can’t know what the future holds. None of us do. But those of us who try to live a positive life and prepare ourselves for the future in case we live to see must change things for that change to take place.

To be honest, I don’t know how to change. I think this happens to many of us. We want to change things, but we don’t know how to do it. It is such a personal thing, we can’t share it with anyone. They just wouldn’t understand our inner feelings. Remember, we are judged by our outer appearance and to them we appear to be OK.

We know our situation looks good, but we also know how we feel. Something is getting ready to happen. We don’t know what it is. I call it a transition. Who do we call on when this happens? Those of us who know call on Jesus. We pray until our prayers are answered. Get ready, because when the prayers are answered, change will come. Doors will open. God will put people in our lives that we never knew to help us on our way to fulfill our God-given purpose, performing duties and exercising talents we didn’t know we had.

This brings to mind the verse Philippians 4:13 (KJV): I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. When we believe this, we are well on our way. It’s never too late to make a change.

Some of us will have a hard time changing and may never change because of pride. It takes courage and faith to make changes. Courage is our mental ability to make changes without fear. Faith is our belief in God and his promises. With that knowledge, we can make our changes and be thankful to God for blessing us as we change. We continue to learn new things as the old things pass way on our life’s journey.

What I think is so sad is when you talk to people and they tell you their story or part of the story of their lives, how they regret they didn’t do what they desired to do. In most cases, the opportunity had presented itself. They really had no excuse. They just didn’t do it and now they’re expressing their regret.

But they don’t realize it’s not over. God gave us more than one dream or gift. Think what it is and use it to his glory. As long as there is life, we can still do the impossible with God if we don’t give up. It’s never too late for our dreams and gifts to benefit others.

Ask Grandma is a weekly column written by Cynthia Carter. If you have a question to Ask Grandma, email it to [email protected] and include “Ask Grandma” in the subject line. You also can mail questions to Ask Grandma, c/o The Albany Herald, P.O. Box 48, Albany, GA 31702. Phone-in questions can be left on our Bright Side comment line, (229) 888-9351.