Love thy neighbor as thyself

Words of Wisdom…

Happy Friday, all. I am a bit better from my emotionally draining day of May 6^th in which each year I commemorate my father’s Heavenly new birth. But, I am well today, and I would like to make this blog as hopeful as possible. Because, I truly believe you can grow spiritually into a better person when we undergo our suffering with grace and understanding rather than bitterness.

However, I didn’t always believe this. Growing up, I was always the pouty child when things did not go my way. Until one brave friend boldly shook me by the shoulders and said, “You keep feeling sorry for yourself and nobody’s gonna want to hang out with you.” And, from her very words, I had a breakthrough moment. She was correct!

In fact, I still repeat these words on what I refer to as my self-pity days despite the passing of the years since she said that to me in 1988. Her phrase has become timeless in my mind. Therefore, I find ways to allow myself to be hopeful rather than wallow in self-pity, especially when things do not go my way.

This practice of finding joy in suffering is most certainly not an easy practice, but it is achievable. And, the purpose of my writings is to always provide hope. I’ve grown much from this experience shared with my bold friend.

For example, I have learned to ask myself (during turbulent times) the following:

1. How must I grow from this experience that makes me connect myself to the humanness of others that I may have overlooked had I never experienced this?

• How can I forgive and move forward without dwelling in past errors?

• What can I do now to change my situation?

So, I hope you can find something you can connect your experiences to that helps you move forward in your journey with Christ. Even the deepest of sorrows in this life bring forth fruit and righteousness. We must always have hope.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, guide my path as I place my trust in You. Amen. By Isabel Anderson