12.14.2008

What is God teaching me?

Today Josh and I went to church at Lifespring. They asked Josh to help in the band so I went there too. The message was on Forgiveness. The key line that stood out to me was.... When you don't forgive you are the victim. When you forgive you are the victor. I thought about that and my life in the past week. I was playing the victim with someone breaking into my car. I was angry, upset, pissed and wanted revenge. After the service I told Josh that message was for me. I can be all of those things above but it doesn't settle anything. If the person that broke into my car felt he needed to do that then he must be desperate for something. I'm not sure what. I hope its a pink camera, 4 year old iPod, and a pretty green purse with purple flowers. Oh yeah, and $4.50. I'm sure they were disappointed not to find my credit cards and gift cards but it is what it is. I can't say that right after that message I was saying "oh I forgive them" and its done. I'm still a little angry but its not worth it. The window is already replaced, and there are a million cameras better than mine, and lots of purses that I would love to have iPods galore. I'm thankful that I am blessed to have a job that allows me to afford these items, and that I have a car to drive to bad neighborhoods to help those that have needs greater than mine. I have learned a lesson from this, and hopefully the person that did this to me doesn't have to do it to anyone else. Its not likely but I can hope.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Very cool, Brooke. I definitely need to learn forgiveness too. My problem is that I tend to be able to forgive reoccurring instances, but I don't think I've forgiven for the whole picture. I just can't seem to get past that but I truly want to. You know what I'm talking about :)

elektra said...

"I was angry, upset, pissed and wanted revenge"
^ understatement?
hahah just kidding...
but i feel ya on the subject

Confessions of a Wandering Soul said...

WOW...your post coincides with mine.The power of forgiveness is truly impeccable. Great blog you have :)

Erin Merryn said...

Your post is sooo true...I talk in depth in my second book about by not forgiving you are allowing those that hurt to continue to have a piece of you. Take your joy and happiness. By forgiving those that hurt you it allows you to let go of the anger, range, hate one may hold onto towards that person and live a much healthier life. As I tell people do you want to spend the rest of your life angry and bitter? Forgiveness is the door to peace and happiness.