FORGIVE?
 Memories of 9/11 bring pain, especially to those who lost loved ones in the Twin Towers. But those of us living around the world who watched in shock as television cameras recorded the unthinkable, also shudder.
Who can forget the searing images, the horror and disbelief at what happened? Regardless of political views, our common humanity caused us all to grieve.
Even though I’d rather not think about it because of the pain it brings, with the ten year anniversary happening in a few days, I can’t push it from my mind.
Another event I keep thinking about is the movie, The Help. Both of these experiences remind me of the pain people inflict on others—and the crucial, but difficult response of forgiveness that God calls us to. Forgiving others IS possible. It is also necessary for our own healing.
For help on the thorny issue of FORGIVENESS, check out Espresso for Your Soul and Want To Grow?
 Video to Feed Your Soul : Do you ever ask yourself, Why Read the Bible? I’d love to have you click on one of my FREE teaching videos and hear how God used His Word to turn me around. It might be just what you need to remind yourself of how the power of God’s Word combined with His Spirit can speak into your life.
Here’s a tip: Download these videos on your Iphone or other player, then watch them in segments whenever you want some soul food. Be sure and share this with others for their encouragement.
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 Have you read or seen the movie, THE HELP? If you have, you know that it is a story about racism and the treatment of black maids who worked for white people in the South.
People’s reactions have ranged from outrage at the humiliation blacks have often received, to charges that it was biased and untrue.
I came out of the movie grieving. I not only felt wretched at the pain racism causes, but also at the hurt and suffering that comes when people mistreat others.
Pain Happens in a Broken World. Being cruel to others, whether by actions or words, happens in every culture for many reasons: because individuals think they are superior for some reason due to their skin color, gender, position in society, wealth, or education? Whatever the reasons, they all flow from a sinful heart.
Have you been hurt?
- Have you known what it is like to be looked down on, dismissed as unimportant, or made to feel unwanted? Have you experienced cruelty of some kind? How did it make you feel?
- Have you wrestled with anger, wanting to get revenge, or feeling crushed and of no worth? In The Help, one of the poorly treated maids gets her revenge in a startling way. But revenge is God’s prerogative, and not ours to take. (Romans 12:19)
Your pain might have come from someone you work with, live next to, or go to school with. Its source could be a relative or close family. Even fellow believers hurt others when operating in the flesh and not the Spirit. But no matter where your pain originated, it is something God wants to heal.
God Cares About You. Why should He care? Why does He call you to forgive those who have harmed you? Because He loves you and wants the appalling power of bitterness, hatred, and inner rage to stop poisoning your heart and your life. The events of 9/11 are a vivid reminder of what the human heart is capable of when it is fueled by unchecked hatred and a thirst for revenge.
God’s Path to Healing. How can you and I, followers of the Lord Jesus, and indwelt by His Mighty and All-powerful Spirit, find freedom from pain? Only by forgiving the one, or many, who caused our pain.
In my book, I’m Too Young to be This Old, I write: “Denying pain doesn’t make it go away. The healing process can only begin when buried pain is exposed and dealt with.” (p.116).
Here are three more necessary principles:
- Reject blame and bitterness. It doesn’t move you forward. It chains you to the past.
- Pray for willingness to forgive. It is a process that often requires time to work through.
- Forgive the offender. Be willing to release that person from your desire for revenge, or even for an apology. Realize they most likely have moved on and forgotten the incident. Remembering is only hurting you. Let it go.
For more help on this issue that is so intertwined with our emotional, physical, and spiritual health:
- Look up all the verses on forgiveness in the New Testament. Check an online Bible reference program. Read, note, and pray over them. What is the Holy Spirit saying to you?
- Seek the help of a mature believer—perhaps a pastor or other spiritual adviser.
- Order my book or others and learn more about forgiveness. Google the word Forgiveness, go to Amazon.com, or visit Christian websites and blogs searching for this key word.
When the anniversary of 9/11 dawns, I want to honor and show respect for those who died. But I also want to remember something else: that the Lord is our Healer. He wants you to experience JOY, no matter how much pain you have experienced. He wants you to THRIVE in every aspect of your life. And He has provided a way for this to happen! Will you walk in it?
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Six steps to Forgiveness
(From: Forgiving the Unforgivable by Beverly Flanagan, quoted in I’m Too Young….)
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Name the injury—what were the losses you experienced? |
| 2. |
Claim the injury—what were its effects on you? |
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Blame the injurer—yes, he/she hurt you. Acknowledge it. |
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Balance the scales—how can you grow from that offense? |
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Choose to forgive—you are responsible for your attitude. |
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Establish a new identity—one that is not tied to past hurts. |
Upcoming
Events:
Speaking Calendar:
2011:
October 16-22 Nairobi, Kenya
For information, email: Janet Mwenje: mukamwe@yahoo.com
Oct. 16: Utawala Christian Center—morning sermon
Oct. 17-19: Family Conference, Nairobi Baptist Church
Oct. 20: Mother-daughter event, Royal Life Springs
Oct. 21: Medical Student Fellowship
Oct.22: Doctors Fellowship
To inquire about Poppy's availability to speak at your event, email her at: poppy@poppysmith.com
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