Temper tantrums. According to Wikipedia “a tantrum or temper tantrum is an emotional outbreak, usually associated with children or those in emotional distress, that is typically characterized by stubbornness, crying, screaming, defiance, angry, ranting, a resistance to attempts at pacification and, at some cases, hitting. Physical control may be lost, the person may be unable to remain still, and even if the “goal” of the person is met he or she may not be calmed. A tantrum may be expressed in a tirade: a protracted, angry, or violent speech.”
I gotta say, I don’t like not getting my way. As a child, it started out very early on with the temper tantrums. So much so, the doctor advised my mother to lock me in my room and let me “have it out.” Oh really. I’m sorry, did those dresser drawers belong in the dresser and not outside shattered on the ground by way of closed windows? As you can well imagine, these tantrums were not just a physical thing, they were very verbal as well. I can remember being very hot one summer afternoon and wanting to go swimming. Normally I could go to the neighbors but they were having a pool party and I was not invited. Oh really. By the time my rant hit full steam, the neighbor was begging to have me come to their pool party. Victory was mine. Or was it?
The rewarding of temper tantrums taught me a valuable lesson; how to manipulate to get what I wanted. As I grew older, the tantrums became less visible outwardly, but inwardly the battle raged until I could win over my opponent by finding out their weakness. I gotta admit, getting my way made me feel quite #empowered. But this type of empowerment was draining. I was mentally exhausted from trying to out maneuver my opponent. Seriously don’t know how many hours of sleep I deprived myself of by thinking “how can I make them see my point?” “How can I get them to admit I’m right?” And then after I think of that way, “how can I work that into our next conversation?” Exhausting.
But, there is one person I can’t out maneuver. He already knows my next move. He can always jib to my jab. But every now and again, God permits the very things we want in our lives that we shouldn’t have. There we are on bended knee, throwing our grown up temper tantrum, begging Him with tears running down our face, to give us what we want because we are never satisfied with what we have. I would dare say this causes us to settle for less than God’s best. You see, our Father wants us to crave Him in every single area of our life over anything else this world has to offer. We are so comforted by the things of this world, we’ve lost the understanding how to be #empowered by Him and Him alone.
Think about the one thing in your life you maybe said today, “no way could I live without that.” Guess what? That’s your idol. It’s just that simple. For me, that one thing had become having a man in my life. And even when I had a man in my life, because I didn’t know my voids were to be filled with God, I wanted more men. And after each failed attempt, I would say “I’m gonna work on getting to know me” and then there I would be begging for a man to come into my life. I didn’t even know how “to love” let alone “be loved.”
So this is me, learning about true love. This is me being #empowered with the only love I will ever need and the only love I want. I want that love over flowing in me so that I can pass it on in the way He’s teaching me. In the way He gave/gives love. In fact when I asked our Father what He wanted me to learn this year, He affirmatively told me “Love.” This is my year to learn all I can about His Love and everyday He is showing me through His word and the people I’m surrounded with all about love. Not “love” the feeling, but “love” the action. And while the temper tantrum in my head wants to resist, I am #empowered with the full armor of God to press and lean into the life He has for me. The best is yet to come!! I am #empowered.
Love is here….what are you waiting for?
Blessed to be Broken 
Thank you for sharing such an honest testimony. I believe God is speaking to you and helping to write a new story for your life. One of happiness and less inner turmoil. Keep on asking him to show you how to be loved and to love. You can build that new path one brick at a time. (I love this song by the way.) Keep on writing, and sharing with us!
Mary Bankert OBS leadership team
God has been speaking, and I’m finally listening. 🙂 I much more prefer the feeling of His peace over the inner turmoil of my own doing. Thanks, for commenting Mary 🙂
This is an amazing post Trish! Okay, I’ve never read the “definition” of a temper tantrum, but oh my does it hit the nail on the head! My little girl sounds just like how you were as a child, I mean I thought I was reading a story about her! LOL But I’m sure she gets it from her momma, I have been known to throw a few if I don’t get my way, it’s awesome how God gives us just what we need! Thanks for sharing! I’m feeling pretty #empowered!
Blessings,
Megan
(Group 53)
My temper tantrums matured over the years into a very unhealthy state of being. So thankful God stepped in and is showing me the error of my ways. Love that God of ours!! Thanks for commenting Megan 🙂
what a powerful testimony, and honesty with yourself, revealing what God is teaching you and wanting to change. So many of us learn early to manipulate, to make excuses, to demand of others. God allows us to make those decisions and we have to suffer the consequences. So many people don’t learn from past mistakes. I know i’ve certainly had to learn the hard way. God will bless you, as you come to him and seek him in all you do.
Girl, I think we all learn the hard way….and yet, He provides us with such an easy way to deal with all situations. Guess it’s just learning how to embrace His love over our desires. Some days are harder than others, but we can be victorious as long as we don’t give up and keep seeking Him!! Thanks very much for you comments 🙂 Blessings to you!!
“It’s just that simple.” Everything and nothing, all at once. I can so relate, Trish. Oh, how I can! Loved this, friend.
Thanks Missy!! 🙂 Just so many things we don’t think about and then, there it is…something material or worldly bigger than our God. Sheesh!! Thank goodness for His amazing Grace!!
WHOOOO WEEEEEE, sweet sista. As you continue to FIX your eyes and heart on Him, I know (and I can see that you do too 😉 ), that you will be SATISFIED with God! 🙂 Loved this and LOVE you!
Thank you Christa!! Love you too 🙂
Trish, thank you for sharing your story. You are certainly not alone in this battle! I’m sharing this with a dear friend who may be struggling with the same thing. May God use this for His glory and reward you with blessings for your obedience to His will. You’re EMPOWERED and truly loved!
Kristin, you are welcome and I hope this helps your friend. That’s my hope in that with my struggles and battles, than I can help others. To God all the glory!! Thanks for commenting 🙂
Raw truth is the best read! Thanks for sharing and remind me to be empowered in the right way.
Shantay, thanks for stopping by!! So happy to see you here!! Be blessed sister!! 🙂
🙂 Thx u2!
I REALLY REALLY enjoy reading your blog! I look forward to following your journey 🙂
Thanks Jennifer!! And I appreciate the follow as well. Funny how God gave me the word “Love” and when I bebopped on over to your awesome site, it’s all about what?!! I love our God!! He is so amazing!! Have a blessed day sister and I’m to read more of your blog 🙂 Very gifted you are 🙂