For some reason when preparing this post, I realized that after all this time of having a website/blog, I never heard or looked up the definition of the word. According to Google dictionary blog means: “a regularly updated website or web page, typically one run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversation style.”
I like it.
If you have been alive for more than five minutes, you have been hurt, confused, or disappointed by something someone said or did and as much as it pains us to admit, we say and do things that invoke all those feelings in others as well. Something is said about you, and you hear about it inadvertently, someone promises something and doesn’t follow through, we feel ignored, overlooked, and misunderstood. To be born means that with these situations it is not a matter of if, but when. Family, friends, strangers, and yes, we as well inevitably participate.
I have good and bad news; this is all part of the joy and pain of walking in relationship. Although I believe it is totally worth the risk and effort, how should you and I respond to hurt and disappointment especially if there is perceived injustice?
Sometimes my mind just starts to race.
Jesus went through some of this with the religious leaders, the people he came to save and his closets friends, the disciples. His response?
“To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps. “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in his mouth.” When they hurled their insults at him, he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.” – 1 Peter 2:21-23 NIV
No causes, No cases
When wounded, it is hard not to talk to others about others. If you think about it, it is a form of retaliation and in the moment, retaliation can feel justified and good. It can also be about what you don’t say when people who care about you are “joining in.” If I try to fix it, God will let me take the first swing. I am grateful though that He is there when I get to the end of myself.
I’ll show them
This never works and only hurts us.
Do I put it in God’s hands?
Trust God to move the pieces, silence the noise and work in hearts including ours. He is working through everyone and everything. Let go and wait on Him. He has everyone’s best interests and needs at heart.
As I replayed a number of encounters over the years in my mind, I thought of a another scene from what has become my favorite quotable movie (with probably the most quotes on this site): “Moneyball.” In this scene, Billie Bean says to his young assistant Peter Brand, “I don’t think we’re asking the right question, I think the question we should be asking is, do you believe in this thing or not?”
Well, do you?
I do.
I do believe. I have to leave god to work with my oldest daughter and her family. She decided to remove them from my life. She told me she loves me. She just can’t have me in her life due to things that happened and are unresolved. I pray, and leave my Savior to love both of us through this. She is a believer as well. He will use his plan to bring us together at his time.
Thank you Lisa for sharing your heart. We are agreeing with you in prayer that His love will reconcile you both to wholeness and peace in abundance.
Mark 11:25 has become my weapon in this fight… I suspect Jesus used it wildly, just as He taught… “when you stand to pray… forgive…” It’s part of the Disciple’s Ancient Path…
Mark 11:25 has become my weapon in this fight… I suspect Jesus used it wildly, just as He taught… “when you stand to pray… forgive…” It’s part of the Disciple’s Ancient Path…
Great insight Chris and what a powerful weapon it is. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and He ended with “forgive!” Thank you, Brother.