BITTERNESS! REALLY ?

I have a confession to make. I got upset with someone who I paid, to attend a program. The program was cancelled.. I did not get upset because of the cancellation, but for the fact that I signed up sometime around July, the program was cancelled in September(scheduled date), but I was not offered an immediate refund.

I was however given different options to choose from in which I feel were not comparable to what I wanted. The reason I was upset however, was because I simply wanted my money refunded immediately so that I could sign up for a similar program of my choosing,

I was OK the first month, but by the second month of the cancellation I got really upset. The company offered me an opportunity to attend a free seminar,or a some other valuable program in the future.

I know some of you me be thinking that I had every right to be upset, it was my money, right. Anyway I ended up sending one of those "nice" emails explaining just how I felt, Mind you, I was acting out of anger, so my words were not pure or so lovely. I did not result to foul language or anything, but what I said was not really warranted, because you see, the recipient was a Woman of God.

Yes, I feel that I should have gotten my refund sooner, but afterthought reminded me that it was not her intent to do me harm.

I felt horrible about my action, so I sent an apology. I took my concerns to God in prayer asking for forgiveness and revelation as to the reason for such behavior, because this is not who I really am.

I reread the response from the wise women on the other end of my message. She used the word, "bitterness." I was of course defensive, saying to myself, I am not bitter, simply frustrated. However the truth hurts, and I was hurt by her insinuation that I was bitter. So back to prayer I went. I ask God to reveal the truth in me.

Last night as I was reading the word of God, I came across the book of Ephesians chapter 4,  ³⁰ And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. ³¹ Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. ³² Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

What is bitterness?

• a frozen form of latent anger and resentment
• Grows out of refusal to let go when someone or something that has has been taken from us
• being constantly hurt by a memory and holding on to that memory until it gets hold of us
• a wrong response to life's trials and tribulations
• a poison that takes root in our lives

Though I am a Christian, there are some things that lie dormant in me. Things that have deep roots because of pasts hurts in my life. What my sister in Christ did for me was to expose a bad seed that was rooted in my heart. Because of her willingness to tell the truth with such graciousness, I am now on the road to healing in this area of my life.

To one of my REAL BFF's in this Christian walk, I praise God for you.

 

 

Will The Real BFF Please Stand Up

A few days ago I told my husband that I was giving up trying to have friends in my life. Later during the week I started contemplating my feelings concerning my statement. What I discovered was that I did not have a problem getting friends.

My problem was that I had a big mouth. I realized that I was quick to hold my close friends and family accountable to the truth of God's word concerning their life, their choices, and their struggles. For a while I beat myself up because of what I always end up saying, even after I would remind myself to keep quiet.

Somehow this did not set right with me because, I never butted into any one affairs. Most of the time they would come to me with their concerns and the way I would respond was with God's truth, not my own. I would respond with the wisdom from my own experiences and how God had blessed me to overcome so many obstacles and trials in my life.

I have a special gift in my life because of my trials. I have the true keys to success in life that come from surrendering to the will of God for my life.

The problem is that when friends come to me hurting, struggling, in despair, looking for a way out of their pain and disappointments, the only response I have is the truth. But, sometimes the truth hurts.Regardless, I refuse to sugar coat the truth. I want my friends and love ones to experience the JOY OF THE LORD as I have. I want them to know that surrendering to the will of God is the only way to abundant life and joy.

In the book of Titus chapter 2, Mature women are to encourage young women. I will honor the mandate of God and encourage, uplift, inspire, empower, teach, pray for, and support my sisters to realign to the truth of God's word concerning His plans for their life.

I say all of this to let it be known that I am a real friend, and unless you are seeking a rel friend who is not afraid to tell you the truth then do not come my way seeking advice, Likewise, if you are are friend of mine, forgive me my trespasses, and speak the truth tome concerning my unwise ways, that I may grow to be the woman tat God desires me to be. WILL THE REAL BFF PLEASE STAND UP!