But if I forgive them …

(Another re-do of a previous blog. Fever’s down! AND a meeting that we thought might go past midnight did NOT … so I’m home at 11:30 and after I post this, I’m washing up and heading right to sleep. Hooray!!)

(But I still don’t feel a wave of energy sufficient to crank out a real posting–hope you understand!)

Here’s my link: But if I forgive them …

And a few lines to tempt you to click on over if you are so inclined:

“Tonight Fred and I were talking (again) about my struggle to forgive some people who have hurt me.

At one point during the conversation, I asked him, ‘But if I forgive them, then won’t I be giving up the one thing I have on them?’ “What do you mean?” Fred asked. “Well, I can’t hurt them like they’ve hurt me or restore what was taken from me (I don’t have the power, resources, or authority to do so). I can’t make them understand the depth of suffering they’ve caused me and cause them to grow in compassion and love. I can’t force them to change or grow or help me during my times of desperate need.

The one thing I have on them is this … I can withhold myself from them.” That’s it – that’s my ace in the hole, my one card to play.

So I continued, ‘And if I truly forgive them and allow them to enter into my life and heart again … allow myself to have real relationship with them … pray for God’s blessings on them … then what do I have?’

And Fred, my wise, compassionate, gracious, loving husband (whose birthday is today!) replied …”

OOOOOOOOH! Can you believe I left you hanging like THAT? I must be punchy in my exhaustion.

🙂 !!

But I hope even that old post will be a blessing to you.

Thank you for your prayers and encouragement!

God is so good.

Love you bunches,
Tara B.