God Spot

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God Spot
This Christian Resource Blog has been created by a group of friends from around the world. Our purpose is to provide links to useful resources, some commentary on topical or doctrinal issues, a place where anyone can come with questions and a means whereby we can share our faith. And above all, to grow and encourage each other. As Christians, we believe we bear God's image in this world, and seek to glorify God's name in this endeavour. Any Christian who wants to join with us is very welcome!

Monday, February 28, 2005

Forgiveness

Last Saturday the Victorian Women's Christian Convention held a day convention on 'Forgiveness' which was held in our church. To be honest I didn't really want to go, and didn't really feel like forgiving anyone, but went because it was expected of me.

It turned out to be a very good day, beginning at 9:30 and going through to 4:00pm with plenty of 'tea' breaks. The visiting speaker was a lady who lost her parents in W.W.II, and was adopted out. Her adopted parents abused her terribly and she went through all kinds of hardships because of it. There was a time when she attempted to commit suicide, but didn't realize that you have to cut 'across' the wrist not up and down. She prayed for her husband for over 30 years that he would give his life to the Lord and in only the year 2001, he did. She realized that it was not through anything she had done that he made a commitment as she had been extremly difficult to live with. She had to learn how to forgive all the abuse over the years. She likened 'Forgiveness' to the 5 steps that E.Khubler-Ross states in her book on death and dying, that people go through when facing death.
1. Denial
2. Anger
3. Bargaining
4. Depression
5. Acceptance
Each person goes through these steps when truly forgiving a person or persons that have wronged them. How long each step takes is an individual thing.
She explained that the person who has done us wrong does not have to ask us for forgiveness, we need to be able to forgive that person for our own benefit. Unforgiveness can cause all sorts of problems in a person, emotionally, spiritually and physically. She likened a deep hurt to a part of you dying - which is so true.
Number 4, is a very critical time and a person needs great understanding. The worst thing to say to a person who is undergoing depression is to say "Just trust Jesus " etc. (I fully agree with that as I can relate to it)

I believe a good friend will listen without judgement, and without trying to 'solve' the problem. A good friend will let you say whatever, and not think you are any less 'spiritual'. A good friend will keep your confidences and not, so call, - share - in the church prayer group as a matter of prayer. (Anyone ever experienced that?)
You know the saying - "A good friend knows the worst about you but loves you just the same" I disagree! I believe that a good friend knows the worst about you and loves you even more.

Have any of you read - 'A Child Called It', 'The Lost Boy','A Man Named Dave' These books can be bought in one volume called "My Story" by David Pelzer. I bawled my eyes out as I read it and even 'downloaded' his picture so I could look at it as I read it. He had to learn forgiveness in a big way. Also two other books - " Dorie - The Girl Nobody Loved" and "No Place to Cry" are written by Doris Van Stone. Wilf and I had the privilege of meeting this remarkable woman on two occasions at Conferences in Queensland and have a photo taken with her. She didn't get her first hug until she was in her early 20's. She is an elderly lady now, but if she meets you she can't help but hug you - and believe me, you can't help but hug her back. If you can get hold of any of these books you will not regret it.

Anyway, that's enough from me. And yes Geoff, you are right, I do barrack for Essendon, but a bit of me barracks for Geelong too!

# posted by shellymac @ 7:12 pm

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