by Cherrilynn Bisbano @bisbanowrites

We encounter at least one such person in our lives—a person whose role seems to be stealing our peace of mind. Our hair may stand on end, and our stomach may churn when we see this individual. It might not be as dramatic as it sounds, but peace robbers do exist—especially during the holidays. How do we secure our serenity and enjoy the festivities?

If you’ve read my blog posts or heard me speak, you know that I love acrostics. I hope this one brings you P.E.A.C.E. I’ve added Bible verses to most points. Let’s allow the Holy Spirit to teach us the lessons He wants us to learn, and we will find P.E.A.C.E.

P- Put others’ needs ahead of your own

E- Extend a helping hand

• Ask questions—Jesus did.

C- Commit to love through differences

E- Exercise restraint as you agree to disagree

Put others’ needs ahead of your own:

“So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus…”  Philippians 2: 1-5 ESV

Extend a helping hand:

     “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” Colossians 3: 23-24 ESV

Ask questions—Jesus did:

Since Jesus asked over one hundred questions during his journey on Earth, I provided a link. http://bit.ly/3BSzh48

Here is a link to general questions to keep the peace. http://bit.ly/3UfFi17

Commit to love through differences:

“If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” 1 Corinthians 13: 3-8 ESV

Exercise Restraint as you agree to disagree:

     “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” Proverbs 25:28 ESV

     “Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.” 1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

     “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ESV

Jesus is the Prince of Peace, may we be His example to a lost and chaotic world.

How will you apply this acrostic to your Holiday? Join the conversation.

Cherrilynn Bisbano is an award-winning writer, coach, editor, and speaker. As former managing editor of Almost an Author, she helped the website earn the #6 spot on the Top 100 best writing websites for 2018 by The Write Life and Top 101 Websites for writers with Writers Digest. Cherrilynn is a speaker with Women Speakers. Her topics include leadership, book proposals, and the Bible.

She is a two-time winner of Flash Fiction Weekly. Her work in progress, Accidental Findings, won the first 10 pages award with, When Words Count Retreat. You can find her published in Blue Ridge Writers Blog, Southern Writers, More to Life (MTL), Christian Rep, Christian Voice, Refresh, and other online magazines. Cherrilynn is a contributor to award-winning, Get to the Margins-Author Anthology; Breaking the Chains; Heart Reno, Kiss Guilt Goodbye; and Chicken Soup for the Soul-Miracles books. Her latest book, Shine Don’t Whine, released October 2020. Cherrilynn proudly served in the Navy and Air National Guard, earning the John Levitow Military leadership award.  She lives with her eighteen-year-old son, Michael, Jr., and husband of 22 years. Cherrilynn loves Christ, Chocolate, coffee, and Cats. You will often find her on the beach sea glass hunting.