II Corinthians 5:
(17) Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come! (18) All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: (19) that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting men's sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. (20) We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ's behalf: Be reconciled to God. (21) God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
This has been a tough week for me and I ask for prayers for myself and for my family. My eyes have been opened to some “truths” which I have denied for some time now. I didn’t want to see what is really behind the actions of a person that I love very much and care deeply about. I have finally decided that I can’t be in denial and also be the wife and mother that I should be for my family.
It’s very difficult to believe that someone you love can be indifferent to those feelings. I tried to talk to this person about some lifestyle choices being made that definitely can cost the price of a soul. I wanted nothing more than for this person to examine the choices they are making, knowing right from wrong and having been taught, all their life, obedience and submission to God. I want, very much, for everyone I love and care about to know the peace, comfort and love of God and the blessings He pours upon His children!
The comments I made about the “choices” were taken as a “personal insult” and caused this person to separate themself from not only me, but the entire family! We have a huge hole where we used to hold them close in love! I am afraid this person would rather separate from us than see the love and concern I have for them.
I have done a lot of soul-searching since these realizations have hit and know that some of the relationships from the past that I have chosen to end because of struggles in those relationships need to have closure. I am determined to correct the emptiness left behind, either by apology or by explanation to those I may have hurt by separating myself from them. It’s hard to accept that I made choices that caused someone else to be hurt by my actions in the same way I am hurting now.
I am thankful that my God is a loving and forgiving God. I am thankful that these truths have been revealed to me so that I am able to recognize my own deficiencies even though this recognition means I will have to humble myself before, not only God, but individuals that I thought I left behind a long time ago.
I carried anger inside for a long time after separating myself from this difficult relationship and even though I was able to let go of the anger I never really made peace with people and know that I have to – even if it means opening a window in the walls I built up to protect myself from further hurt!
It’s very difficult to believe that someone you love can be indifferent to those feelings. I tried to talk to this person about some lifestyle choices being made that definitely can cost the price of a soul. I wanted nothing more than for this person to examine the choices they are making, knowing right from wrong and having been taught, all their life, obedience and submission to God. I want, very much, for everyone I love and care about to know the peace, comfort and love of God and the blessings He pours upon His children!
The comments I made about the “choices” were taken as a “personal insult” and caused this person to separate themself from not only me, but the entire family! We have a huge hole where we used to hold them close in love! I am afraid this person would rather separate from us than see the love and concern I have for them.
I have done a lot of soul-searching since these realizations have hit and know that some of the relationships from the past that I have chosen to end because of struggles in those relationships need to have closure. I am determined to correct the emptiness left behind, either by apology or by explanation to those I may have hurt by separating myself from them. It’s hard to accept that I made choices that caused someone else to be hurt by my actions in the same way I am hurting now.
I am thankful that my God is a loving and forgiving God. I am thankful that these truths have been revealed to me so that I am able to recognize my own deficiencies even though this recognition means I will have to humble myself before, not only God, but individuals that I thought I left behind a long time ago.
I carried anger inside for a long time after separating myself from this difficult relationship and even though I was able to let go of the anger I never really made peace with people and know that I have to – even if it means opening a window in the walls I built up to protect myself from further hurt!
Each time anyone comes into contact with us,
they must become different and better people
because of having met us.
We must radiate God’s love.
We must know that we have been created for greater things,
not just to be a number in the world,
not just to go for diplomas and degrees,
this work and that work.
We have been created in order to love and to be loved.
Love does not measure. . . it just gives.
Mother Teresa
Ann,
ReplyDeleteI think you have to believe that she will some day return to the truths that she was taught as a child. I will keep praying and hoping for a change of heart. You planted a seed when you spoke to her about choices and now we will pray for that seed to sprout and grow. It is so hard to find the balance between unconditional love and accountability.
In a study I am doing, I am becoming more and more aware of the fact that while people and relationships are extremely important and can make such a difference in day to day life, God is the most important and has to be number one. It is harder to live that way than to say it.
Please let me know if I can help in any way, as always you will remain in my prayers.
Annie,
ReplyDeleteI know prayer is the only way to reach her now and I have decided to give it to God. I can't change another person and I know that. I miss her.
I appreciate you and you have been an inspiration to me through your love for your children, and especially Izzy - and your belief that God will completely heal her of her injury!
I, too, believe that only through God does healing come - both spiritual and physical. Thank you for your prayers.
I am deeply sorry for the loss of your grandmother this past week. I know you'll miss her. Even though I only met her once, I'm sure she was a kind and loving person. I know, too, that your mother will miss her! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you that God will provide comfort during this difficult time.