Learning to Forgive: Part 3 of 5

Often times family and friends in an attempt to help a person grieving can say or do something that unintentionally hurts that person they are just trying to help.
This is why it is so important to write out or verbally discuss the things that are needed to assist us after we lose someone we love. Of course, family and friends want to be there and help out in many ways, But if there is no communication of the areas in which help is needed, sometimes there may be some confusion.

A PERSONAL MEMORY:

In an event to help me one day a friend of mine, went in my dresser and took my husbands clothing out without my permission, boxed them up and put them away in a closet in another room. I in one of my many breakdown moments went to the drawers where his clothing was supposed to be to get an item to hold, cry and possibly even smell, but the drawers were empty. I questioned the friend and they stated that his clothing was boxed up and placed in a closet in another room.
I immediately lost it and became angry. “How dare you touch his clothing, I stated as I stormed out of the room to go retrieve my husband’s clothing, it felt almost like I was going to save him from some sort of hurtful event. I just knew at that time, I had to go retrieve my husband’s clothing and how dare someone touch them.
After putting all of his clothing back into the dressers, I calmed down and later stopped and focused on a scripture in the book of {Job }
Then Job replied: “I have heard many things like these; miserable comforters are you all!” Job 16:1-2

What a comforting scripture. God instilled in me the strength to apologize for my behavior.

ADVICE THAT IS HURTFUL AND INSENSITIVE

We must remember that we will receive “advice” that is insensitive and hurtful. Although other people may mean well, they often say the wrong thing.
We still must seek forgiveness from God for any resentment we are holding and/or harboring against these people.

This is why it is so important to talk to God.
God, when I think back on some of the comments that have been said to me, I burn with frustration, fury, rage, and anger!
I am hurt Father God; But I want to get better, not worse, so I’m choosing to forgive. Help me stay committed to this process.

Learning to Forgive: Part 2 of 5

What it means to forgive someone is to focus on God’ love as we forgive those whom may have hurt us.

FORGIVENESS IS:

A process
A commitment
A choice
Allowing God’s love to flow through us
Obedience to God
Canceling a debt

As we continue to talk to God we should tell him that we do not agree with what someone has done, but we chose to let him rule our heart when it comes to the situation at hand. We should also ask God to help us surrender this to him so we may learn what it truly means to forgive.

Learning to Forgive: Part 1 of 5

Forgiveness may or may not be a subject you want to think about. Take time to talk to God about forgiveness and the feelings you may or may not be struggling with.

What it means for us to forgive.

God’s word to us is: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.’ (Colossians 3:13)

God has forgiven us for many things.

Forgiveness can be difficult sometimes, but it is not impossible. If we desire to get our heart right with God and to heal, we must accept his forgiveness and forgive as God has forgiven us.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month!

Mental Health Awareness Month (also referred to as “Mental Health Month,” has been observed in the month of May in the United States since 1949, reaching millions of people in the United States through the media, local events, and screenings.

For many years there have been such a great Stigma attached to this disorder. Stigma is defined as a mark of disgrace associated with a circumstance, quality, or person, according to Merriam-Webster.

MERRIAM WEBSTER, INC:

Merriam-Webster, Inc., is an American company that publishes reference books and is especially known for its dictionaries. In 1828, George and Charles Merriam founded the company as G & C Merriam Co. in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Approximately 1 in 5 adults in the U.S. (46.6 million) experiences mental illness in a given year. Approximately 1 in 25 adults in the U.S. (11.2 million) experiences a serious mental illness in a given year that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.

SEVERE MENTAL ILLNESS:

Severe mental illness is often defined by its length of duration and the disability it produces. These illnesses include disorders that produce psychotic symptoms, such as schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder, and severe forms of other disorders, such as major depression and bipolar disorder. It’s hard for many to believe that one in 17 people live with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. In addition to a person’s directly experiencing a mental illness, family, friends and communities are also affected. Families of individuals with mental illness suffer along side their loved one and many times find it difficult to know how to deal with that individual. I can honestly tell anyone, it takes educating yourself, going to appointments, listening without judging, assuring they know how much they are loved, they are not alone, and the door is always open if they need to talk. it’s also important to remember that a person’s mental health can change over time, depending on many factors:  When the demands placed on a person exceed their resources and coping abilities.

If you or someone you know is suffering in silence with a mental illness, or believe you are; please reach out for help in your city and state.

#break the stigma

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Little Thing Called Love – A Poem

 

When you complete each other’s sentences;

and look forward to the two-hour phone calls. 

When the silliest things seem so amazing;

and you crack up at the corniest of jokes.

When you make a wish up on your favorite star;

that the life with your love will last forever.

You’re not ashamed to run on the beach;

or take a walk through the park holding hands.

The beautiful rush you get riding that merry-go-round;

or being pushed in a swing, like when you were younger.

You’re not ashamed to open up and laugh out loud;

and lose yourselves in the moment.

That crazy, sweet, sometimes butterfly feeling;

is nothing more than that little thing called love!

Jasmine D. Parker ©

 

 

STARLIGHT – A POEM

Starlight, star bright;

The brightest star I’ve seen tonight.

I wish I could and just might,

Be with you throughout the night.

Oceans blue, sands white;

Under water, a strange sight.

Still wish I may, and just might;

Declare my love for you tonight.

 

Jasmine D. Parker ©