July 13, 2018                             

My granddad used to say that I had moxie.  I remember going home and looking it up in the dictionary because I wasn’t sure if it was a compliment or a criticism.

I had never heard the word, moxie, before – but I had been called “stubborn”, “determined”, and “bossy”.

The good old Webster Dictionary used descriptive words like, “force of character”, “energy”, and “courage”.

I guessed it could be either so I asked Granddad about it later and he said he surely meant it as a compliment.

So, I’m thinking that moxie can be used in good or bad ways.  It’s a gift and a curse.

It’s good when moxie is used to get through a tough time or a difficult season.  You need energy, determination, and courage for that.  It’s a leadership quality that is important.

Moxie is not tolerated so well when it is in overdrive to get a task done at the expense of others who don’t move as fast.  It is frowned upon when the determined moxier (I made up that word) doesn’t slow down enough to listen to other’s thoughts or advice.

Since I don’t always know where the fine line is in the matter of moxie, my advice to myself is to look to the One who gave it to me in the first place.  If I follow His plan, it is a gift and a blessing.  If I follow my own plan, it is a disaster waiting to happen.

Lord, you created my body, mind, and soul.  You gave me my personality with its quirks and uniqueness because you have big plans for me.  Please give me the wisdom to know how to use this moxie you have given me for your glory.  Help me to honor you and others with it.  Forgive me when I don’t ask you for directions before I plow ahead.   Forgive me when I’ve used it for selfish gain or without thought to others.  You are the giver of boldness that strengthens my soul.