To worry about what others think of you is normal. We live in a very digitally connected world. Everything can be so quickly intertwined, including what everyone else thinks about us.

There are some people whose views of us matter. For you, those are your people. What your people think of you is important. For me, if I am acting out of character, I want to know. If I made a poor judgment call, I want my people to tell me. 

But what your people think of you should not create fear or worry, and if it does, ask “Is this person a part of my inner circle?”

When we take on worry of what other people think of us, we allow them a foothold of control in our lives that is not theirs to have. If the work has not been done to create a relationship that is honest, true, and reciprocated, then it is our duty to care for ourselves enough and not own the perception of those outside of our inner circle. 

We are made for community. But I would encourage you to remember that Jesus had 12 and of the 12, he had three. Not everyone is going to be in our inner circle, and that’s okay.

Captain Joshua Hubbard, Roseville, MN

The Bible seems overwhelming. How can I start studying the Bible?

The Bible is an ancient text with 40 authors written on three continents in three languages over a 1,600 year period… so feeling overwhelmed by it is completely normal!

I recommend starting with the gospel of Luke.  Even if you’re new to the Bible, you’ll likely recognize some of the early stories. The familiar stories may help  you connect right away, and then you can let the story pull you in as you learn more about who Jesus is.

Start small — maybe 10-20 verses at a time.  Journal or reflect by asking yourself what stood out about what you read and how it might speak to your current circumstances.

Studying God’s Word takes time and dedication, but it’s not a workout program or a new healthy habit you’re trying to perfect. When we think of it like that, we feel like if we fail, we have to start over.  I’ve seen it happen with people when they do the Bible-in-a-year programs.  They get busy and miss a few days, it seems impossible to catch up, and they bail.

Don’t get caught in that trap.  Sure, set a goal, but be flexible and give yourself grace.  Every moment spent in God’s Word matters.

You don’t have to be perfect.  You just have to keep at it.

Major Jamie Spalding, Bristol, TN