“You know, you don’t have to do that. You can say ‘no.’ ” That’s what a trusted adult told me as I described peer pressure I was feeling.
That was news to me. Growing up, I had taken on the belief that I needed to please others and that my worth was wrapped up in others’ opinions of me. But this person’s encouragement helped me see that sometimes saying “no” is the right thing.
Over the years, I have learned the power of seeking God’s guidance. It’s led me to say “no” to disease, fear, anger. “No” to anything that isn’t in line with God’s law of integrity and love. And “yes” to things like honesty, joy, patience. When I’ve felt divinely impelled to act in a certain way, fear of possible negative consequences has been lifted.
