If you don't already know this about me, I think I should tell you: I don't speak "girl-speak".

In fact, when it comes to the secret language of women, I'm totally clueless.  I grew up with boys.  I learned to communicate directly or be forced to act out the entire Star Wars saga for eternity.  I mean, sometimes you just want to play Wonder Woman, you know?

So, I've found myself in interesting situations throughout my life where I am surrounded by women who speak a secret language of sorts, for which I have no dictionary or interpreter.  It puts me at a disadvantage and can sometimes cause hurt feelings that I didn't realize were being hurt.

Many times I've sat in large groups of women as they've gone round-and-round a subject to no avail.  Quite frequently, I become the one that feels the urgent need to stop the merry-go-round by making a blunt statement or pointing out the obvious answer so we can move on.  You can imagine how popular I am in these moments.  I never seem to understand that many are enjoying the ride.

Just this week a friend and I planned to get together.  Due to some technical difficulties via text (I'm an adamant hater of cell phones by the way) we completely missed each others point for two days, due mostly to "girl-speak".  My sweet friend had planned on me coming over, had prepared some special treats and waited for me to pop in.  I, on the other hand, had taken her cue of "you can stop by if you want to, or not" to mean that she'd really rather I didn't. 

After an entire weekend of missing each others point, and probably a very fun time together, we both had hurt feelings.  All because --you guessed it--me no speaky "girl" language.

Apparently, I speak boy.  I'm use to directness.  When I hear the slightest opportunity for an out in someones invite, I assume they are placing it there for a reason.  They want an out.  So, being the polite Southerner that I am, I always give it.  But (and I'm a slow learner) sometimes, they are placing the "out" there simply out of politeness on their part.  They don't want you to take it. 

Ahhhh....

This isn't the only language barrier I have.

I often feel this very same way in my conversations with God.  If I pray for something that I'm not sure He would want me to be pursuing, I offer an "out".  Not, of course, that He ever needs one.  But, I sometimes feel obligated to say something like "But if that's not your plan for me God, it's okay."  When deep inside my heart, it is NOT okay.  I really, really want my prayer to be answered. Which, of course, He totally knows.

Recently, I've become more direct in my prayers.  I've come right out and specifically asked for exactly what I want, unapologetically.  Knowing that as long as I am asking for something that does not go against my faith, He will provide.  And amazingly, He has.

John 15:7 says:
Jesus said, "If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be given to you."

If we remain in Him and He is in us, He will give us that for which we pray.  This has parameters, of course, knowing that what we ask for must be within the boundaries of  faith, but Jesus tells us to ask.  He tells us to be direct. 

So I write this to encourage you today.  If you are struggling , take it directly to God.  Keep up your relationship with Him.  Stay in His word.  Study what He may say about your very situation.  Then . . . be direct. Pray for what you need.  Pray for what you want.  Knowing that He is asking you to. He knows your every want and need, your every hope and desire, and He longs for you to bring them to Him.  Ask.