How to Forgive Others

Have you been trying to figure out how to forgive others? Forgiveness is still a hot topic, no matter how you look at life. Whether you have always focused on the importance of forgiveness with others or you have struggled to forgive yourself, you know it's something that you need to do in order to live in peace. 

I was prompted to write about this very thing this morning, simply because it's something I have struggled with for a long time. It seems the hardest people to forgive are family and friends. I was having an inward struggle with forgiving a family member or two, and it was striking that God had such a sense of humor. 

I had just picked up The Power of a Praying Woman by Stormie Omartian, and the third chapter was all about how she forgave her parents for something and how to work through forgiveness.

What bothered me the most was knowing that not only was I struggling to forgive people I loved, but I was learning that if I chose not to forgive, my prayer life would be hindered. 

Ah, that peace that we all long for was not being stolen from me, but I was actually allowing unforgiveness to suck the life out of me. I knew it was time to really allow this study to work on me, in me, and let God work through me. 

You know, we are never finished. Learning how to forgive others is not so much vital to our life as it is actually CRITICAL. Is there a secret to letting go and letting God? Is learning to forgive really a big mystery? 

If you want to let go and let God it really isn't a secret at all, but it all starts with making the choice to do so. Letting go is tough because our first reaction is to hang onto something that someone has said or done to hurt us and use it as a weapon. We almost want others to feel sorry for us so we use our hurts to get love and attention. 

It's only fleeting when people reach out, and we should do so, but to forgive is better and it cleanses the soul. Learning how to forgive others is the driving force to having peace in your life and with all others. Yes, even those that have hurt you. 

God's Word says to forgive seventy times seven, and not only that, but that is in one day! Matthew 18: 21-22-"Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother and or sister 

who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." 

It's not optional, and you should also know that it doesn't mean that what someone has done to you is okay. It doesn't even mean that you have to speak to them again or be friends with them. No one is asking you to do that at all. However, this is about you getting it right for your heart, soul, and your relationship with God. 

God knows and sees all! Remember, God is the ultimate judge, and He will be the one to deal with the individuals for what they have done. So, let your peace come. During this holiday season it's so easy to focus on the good, forgiveness and loving others. 

Choose to make learning "how to forgive others" a lifelong journey and passion for your soul. 

Lift the Holiday Spirit for Those in the LGBT Community This Year!

Do you know someone in the LGBT community that is struggling with family issues right now? Right now during the holiday season it's easy to reach out to others and it's easy to show love. When that holiday spirit goes away, where does it leave you?

I was reflecting on the struggles of many friends I have that have come forward to say they are gay, and yet their families do not accept them or welcome them home during the holidays. What kind of world are we living in?

I began to realize how much I still don't understand regardless of the number of friends I have in the LGBT community, what they feel when others are so close to their family and enjoy holiday traditions. It seems that no one would have to go without a place to go for Thanksgiving or Christmas, but I find out that this just isn't true.

There are so many left without a home to welcome them at this time of year, and probably almost any time of year they don't feel the love and acceptance of even their parents. One of the greatest pains I've ever experienced is the lack of feeling of love from a parent, whether it was through an argument or other issue that came up.

So, how can we fix it? I don't know that we can fix it, but I do believe that we can spend more time and energy reaching out to others less fortunate, meaning even those that have income but those without family to share holidays with.

The LGBT community has been experiencing ups and downs for years, but the focus right now isn't rights, licenses, jobs, or anything else. This is about people. It's time that we STOP separating people upon their gender, sexual orientation, and by their incomes.

What if we just stopped looking at people differently just because they aren't like us? Why can't we just strive to share what we have with others no matter who they are or where they come from? It seems to me that this should be fairly simple, but it's a mystery as to how there are still so many folks left out because they are lesbian or gay, or otherwise.

One organization, Your Holiday Mom, has been receiving letters and phone calls since 2011. The idea behind this was to welcome those that are without family during this time of year. It's a great thing for the LGBT community, and so we thought we would share it and what they do.

This virtual holiday welcome has spread joy to so many, and continues to do so. Loving moms are opening up their hearts to adult children from the community and saying, hey, we love you and wish you a wonderful holiday season. Just the idea that someone cares enough to act as a mother would to them is touching and nothing short of amazing.

Where is the love folks? What have we been doing all of this time that we have been here on this Earth and NOT loving all people? This holiday season, we are asking you to not judge, but open your hearts and homes to those from the "LGBT community" that are without loved ones to share their holiday season with.

Your Courageous Life-Are You Really Living it?

What if there were a movie made called Your Courageous Life? Would it show that you were in fact courageous? Would it show that you loved and helped others?

Did you stand up for others? All that would be evident if your life were put up onto a screen for all to see.

I think most of us would find that our life hasn't been all that courageous over the past few years, or at least as how much we would like for it to be.

I am sure that you have had some times in your life when you didn't want to help someone, or perhaps you didn't want to love them either. I know I have, we all have. We are called to be a beacon of light to others, and courage could also be known as expressing your faith.

What would you do if you had a second chance to film Your Courageous Life?

A Re-Take on Your Courageous Life

Every day is a new day to make a change and take a chance. It's also another day that we could be helping someone. The only time I've found any peace in my life was when I put others first. That meant really looking at what I believe and why, and sharing with others how I intended to exercise that. 

It's one thing to say you have "love", or that you are putting "love" into action. It means nothing until you actually do. Right? I mean, otherwise it's just a lot of talk and a lot of things that don't mean much to others around you. 

There is a ton of suffering in this world, we don't need anymore. The more we can do to reach out  to others and encourage each other, the better off we will be as a country and as a world united! What would you vow to do if you could get a retake on Your Courageous Life? 

Would you vow to:

1. Live out each day to the fullest? 
2. Perform one random act of kindness per day?
3. Help someone else even if you are experiencing a trial of your own?
4. Give back no matter what you feel you lack?

These are all a good place to start, and having courage is always right. You can do it. You can be more, and you can be a bigger influence in this world then you think. 

If you would like to join a community of like-minded people that can encourage you to live "your courageous life", go HERE now to check us out on Facebook!