Fresh Air
You know how people open up their windows during or right after a storm? Think of this writing as such. The past 3 years or so have been mind-blowing to me, because I have experienced so many changes I would have never imagined. I never understood the depth of betrayal until I experienced it from someone, I called a friend. I felt like she was a sister and treated her like one. Although she apologized for the areas in which she betrayed me and I have forgiven her, or so I thought, things just didn't go back to the way they were.
During a Sunday sermon the pastor talked about disagreements and arguments. He stated that arguments stem from an unresolved past. Think about your last real argument for a moment. If you're like me, you may tend to shrug things off and then suddenly blow up (I'm working on this). Usually, this explosion occurs, because something that happened in the past is still resonating in your spirit.
When I found out this person broke our trust, I was hurt in a way that I can't fully put in words. What made it so painful is that so many previous disagreements kept coming back to mind, and it was as if everything that had occurred was turning into one big ball of fire. However, when I got the apology, I still had questions and I still had many things I felt had been left unsaid. That Sunday I was instructed to DEAL WITH the offense. For many of you, this may not be an easy task. The person may be long gone from your life but you must find a way to let it go. They say when you harbor unforgiveness it is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. Don't ruin yourself, your spirit or your future pondering the actions of the person who harmed you, and replaying the offense over and over. Write a letter or prepare a video but just do whatever you need to do to MOVE ON! Taking these steps is what opening the windows after a storm feels like. If the relationship cannot be salvaged that's fine, but remove it completely and close the chapter. BE FREE!
Now...are you ready to open your window?
Proverbs 18:19 "An offended brother is harder to reach than a fortified city, and quarrels are like the bars of a fortress."
Luke 17:3-4 "Be on your guard. If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times in a day, and comes back to you seven times, saying, "I repent," you must forgive him."