Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe. Philippians 2:14-15

The symptoms have been there my whole life. I’ve suspected it for years, but rationalized it away. Who wants to admit to having such a malady? Some hinted I may have it and my husband has suffered from my condition for decades. Finally we have a diagnosis.

I have Whiney Baby Syndrome.

It was confirmed while having lunch with friends. They didn’t come right out and tell me I have it. They’re much too nice for that. But you know you have Whiny Baby Syndrome when you find yourself getting defensive when pushed for an explanation or when the words coming out of your mouth suddenly sound stupid. You can be sure there’s a problem when pointed questions punch you in the gut and really nice people give you a half-hearted “Mmm” while nodding their heads. Their facial expressions resemble people who are not buying the swampland in Florida or your story.

O wretched woman that I am. How can I be healed? My doctor, the Great Physician tells me what comes out of my mouth indicates what is inside. If my words are grumbly, the problem is much deeper than my mouth.

The cure to Whiney Baby Syndrome is a clean heart.

My prescription starts with sincere confession to a gracious, extremely patient God. I bathe the infected area with His Word as needed, most likely several times a day. I carefully monitor the words entering my ears and the images my eyes settle on. My Doctor cautions me to maintain this regimen for the rest of my life or setbacks are sure to follow.

But once I establish this habit, once I clean up my heart and do everything without complaining and arguing, I will shine like a star in the universe.

Do you have Whiney Baby Syndrome? Don’t despair. Don’t beat yourself up incessantly. Hope and healing are available. Commune with God, clean up your heart and be cured.

Tami Boesiger shares her life with husband, Kevin, a Creative Arts Pastor and their four children in Beatrice, Nebraska. She fills her time staying on top of her kids and their activities, leading ladies’ Bible studies, writing, singing in choir and on the worship team, and playing clarinet and saxophone in various community productions. She and Kevin also write musical productions sold on their website, Distinctive Notes. Get to know Tami at her blog, The Next Step. Read Tami’s devotions
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