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The best gift we can give each other and ourselves is the:
Heart of Forgiveness
I recently reached out to a person in my life that had stopped speaking to me. Ok, it was my brother, and I’m not calling any names - but he has dimples. The last time he communicated with me, he asked that I take his name off a group family text. Was the chat important? Maybe not, but we already have four of the thirteen Marshall children who can’t respond to text messages anymore because they have transitioned to the next life. They died of food related illnesses. But that’s another story for another blog.
I really don’t get bothered by group text messages. It might be annoying to some but, I figure it doesn’t matter if my oldest sister always needs an explanation to something that doesn’t need to be explained, she’s still alive so we are glad to respond with needed clarity for her. It always adds a little humor for me.
“No Frances, it's not a video, it’s just text. That’s why you can’t see anything.” LOL Or..."No Reggie got Vice Chair of the committee not Vice President of the company." And let me just take this time to congratulate my baby brother Reginald Marshall, for being elected Vice Chair of the USDA Fruit and Vegetable Advisory Committee. We are so proud of you. He was appointed by President Joe Biden to this committee.
Back to our Heart of Love and Forgiveness...
But I hear you Al Green...singing... 'Put A Little Love In Your Heart Think of your fellow man, lend him a helping hand Put a little love in your heart You see, it's getting late, oh, please don't hesitate Put a little love in your heart And the world will be a better place And the world will be a better place for you and me You just wait and see.'
I have always wondered what makes humans think that we are hurting other people, because we hold our breath? Remember when you hold your breath, you are holding in carbon dioxide and that will kill you dead.
Similarly, when we withhold the enjoyment of joy, peace, and laughter we are negating the instructions to be at Peace with all humans. Ouch! Guilty as charged.
I could say that during this Love month is a good time to reach out and make amends, but everyday that we are on this side of the dirt, is a great day to extend a hand of fellowship, even if they don’t want to talk to you. Just do your part. Sometimes people don’t know how to get back to a relationship of Peace and harmony.
Maybe we need to apologize for being offended. Must they apologize? Remember only hurt people do hurtful things to other people. We are guilty of being imperfect humans. Since the Creator forgives us, we must forgive in the same manner.
You might say, but they lied on me.
Well, just be glad it was a lie.
When we respond to negative emotions with our negative emotions we are no better than the person offending. See, as my mother would say, “Somebody’s got to be the Lamb.”
Remember, as you extend a Peaceful hand to an estranged relationship, do so without expectations of how you will be received. You are answering your assignment, to love those who despitefully use you. It’s just a test. We can pass this test with a tone of Peace in our voice and a heart of forgiveness.
I’m going to go now, because I have a few more people that I need to call.
Let me know how your Peace-work is going. I pray for you and you pray for me and watch the Spirit of Love shift the atmosphere, softening hearts welcoming Peace & Healing Thru Forgiveness.
Peace does Take Practice.