I’m more than aware that I am not perfect but sometimes I feel that people receive the wrong message by the way that I may carry myself and words that I speak to others. Sometimes I simply let my flesh take over; no filter.  After conversations, I find myself in a place where I am begging God to filter what I had just said so that people know my true heart and intentions and not take my words the way that they sounded; I find myself in this place way too often.

When posting pictures on Instagram or whatever social media it might be, we are always looking for that perfect filter to make the picture look that much better or brighter or simply flawless. There is only one filter that we can use in our daily lives and with our tongues, and that is God’s l o v e. And I pray that that filter is always being used when I speak and carry on with my life. I just wish that I wouldn’t wait until after I have said something unintended, for me to pray that specific prayer.

I care and have a deep love for people. I am a people pleaser. My heart physically breaks when I see others hurting or dealing with unfortunate circumstances. I am sensitive and emotional. I am one of my biggest critics, disappointments, coaches, etc. I know that I always have room to do better, to be better, to love more, hate less. Sometimes I need to learn to listen before I jump to giving my opinion. Sometimes I need to lay down pride and stubbornness to let someone else win. No filter.

As a culture and a society, this phrase “no filter” is being overused. It gives us room for vulnerability but at the same time insult. Just like the southern phrase “bless his/her heart.” Have you ever heard that phrase without an insult or something offensive being stated before or after it? I sure haven’t. When we say we have no filter for the most part we are saying that we are going to be opinionated and it may or may not offend you with what we have to say or think.

I am praying for a filter. I pray that God’s love and truth is what pours out of my mouth. And that I wouldn’t have to beg in prayer after conversations that God would allow someone to forget something non-filtered that I just had said. I want my tongue to reflect God in every word.

Many of you know exactly what I am talking about with this concept of no filter. If you struggle with this as I have been, take this time to pray that God’s love will be your filter and that He will speak through you so that you never have to reflect on conversations and wish to take something back! He wants to use you!

Yours Truly,

Tara Branstetter