A Fresh New Point of View

Many times, our pain is too great and our minds too clouded that we are unable to recognize the Mordecais that God sends into our lives. The Hamans and our negative experiences loom larger than our Mordecais. This tendency can be explained by how the Reticular Activation System (RAS) of our brain functions. RAS causes our brain to see what we are already looking for. It isn’t a coincidence that when we are consumed by our problems and deprivations, our outlook becomes negative and all we see is our lack. While this can sound like bad news for us, this can also be good! That’s because when we seek out the good things in our story, no matter how simple they are, or when we pay more attention to what we already have, our outlook becomes positive. We see more of our blessings compared to our burdens. When we train our minds to find and identify the Mordecais in our life, we cultivate gratitude and contentment in our hearts. I say train because this is a skill that we have to learn over a period of time. Even Apostle Paul had to learn to be content! The attitude of gratitude doesn’t come naturally because we are, by nature, complainers.

In her book One Thousand Gifts, Ann Voskamp proposes that the sin of ingratitude is the first sin of mankind.47 She reasons that Adam and Eve fell for the serpent’s temptation because they weren’t content with what God had given them. God told them that they could eat from any tree in the whole garden, except for one. Pause and take that in. They could eat any fruit from the many trees in the entire garden except for one single tree. That’s numerous trees versus one tree! Yet Eve focused on that one tree she couldn’t eat from, creating dissatisfaction in her heart. The enemy took advantage of Eve’s discontent and this was what he used to deceive her; “You won’t die. God knows that the moment you eat from that tree, you’ll see what’s really going on. You’ll be just like God, knowing everything....”  (Genesis 3:4–5, MSG).

How many of us are like Eve? God has given us many things but we focus on that one thing we think we lack. God has given us Mordecais in our lives yet we are preoccupied with the Hamans. My friend, now is the time to exchange our discontent stance for a fresh, new point of view. Let’s make a conscious effort to shift our eyes from that one tree to the plenty of trees God has planted in our garden. 

Dear sister, begin by looking at your list of Mordecais. No matter how long or short your list, those are the people and circumstances God has handpicked and designed to show you His goodness. Their presence in your life is a present. The Mordecais in your story are God’s gift to you. And when we are given a gift, what shall we do? We say thank you.

I urge you, my friend, to first thank your Heavenly Father for every Mordecai in your list — for every person and circumstance He has used to help you grow and to provide for you. Then, make every effort to contact each person in your list and personally thank them for being part of your story. Let them know how they have made a difference in your life. Call them. Send them a message online. Or you can choose to go even further and write them a letter or buy them a simple gift. Give them a warm hug when you see them. Verbalize your gratitude to them. Sister, there is power in gratefulness! You are becoming a source of affirmation to the other person. Additionally, expressing gratitude positively alters your brain and liberates you from toxic emotions.

Do not stop here. Develop a life of thankfulness. Every day, challenge yourself to intentionally look for things you can be grateful for even when times are hard. And when you can’t find anything to be grateful for, look up and see that the Giver of Gifts has already given you the greatest gift, His Son JESUS CHRIST. 

Jesus is the ultimate Mordecai in your story. He is with you today and always. He is your Constant Companion, Wonderful Counselor, Redeemer, and Restorer. His Presence is your Ultimate Present. Knowing this enables you to live a life of gratitude and joy. 

Practice gratitude and see how this will change your life! I know because learning the art of gratitude and contentment has changed mine. 

This is an excerpt from Chosen: No Matter Where You've Been or What You've Done by Shaina Cua. This book is available at OMF Lit Bookshops, shop.omflit.com, Shopee, and Lazada for P375.

When being ghosted, ignored, seenzoned, or unfollowed has become the norm, we end up questioning our worth and yearning to be seen - to be chosen. But what does it mean to be truly chosen? 

In Chosen, author Shaina Cua helps women reclaim their chosenness by examining the book of Esther, showing fresh perspectives on essential truths, and reflecting on the God who has chosen us. 

Chosen includes relatable stories from other women, processing questions at the end of each chapter, and practical advice drawn from Shaina's own experience of bullying and healing from trauma, as well as her training in psychology and biblical studies.