Experience the Happily Ever After

I am typically a very shy, very introverted person. Most writers are. We like our caves. We like characters so we can manipulate their lives the way we wish without having to deal with a bunch of drama. So, I guess it’s no surprise that my people skills are thoroughly lacking.

Okay, well let’s just wait a minute. I think my people skills are just fine, as long as I can remain behind the potted plant.:) I like people just fine. In fact, I love people, even those strong type A run you over with a bulldozer type people. But they don’t tend to like me much. They have a tendency to be snappy and try to tear a pound or two of flesh from my hide, and most of the time for no reason other than the fact that in the natural realm of things the weaker vessels tend to get ousted by the stronger ones.

This morning as I was reading through messages I realized I scowled when coming across certain ones. It gave me pause. I couldn’t believe the tension I felt as I read particular posts. And then it hit me, it was because in some way, shape or form they had attacked me, mostly verbal, always private. And almost always at a time when I was already super vulnerable.

The thing is, even if these people realized what they were doing they probably don’t care. They don’t care that their words spewed venom and caused deeper wounds. They can’t see my scowl or my reaction or the fact that their actions are causing me to harbor unforgiveness.

WHOA! STOP THE PRESSES!!!!!

You’re right. 100%. It’s not their problem, it’s mine. And praise God He revealed it to me before the unforgiveness monster took over and began to rule. God reminded me to take captive every thought.

We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV)

Even if these people have huge, compassionate hearts, they have no idea how much they hurt me with their words. I need to grant them the same love Christ granted me, even if they are unlovable because Lord knows I’m unlovable at times. I need to forgive them as Christ forgave me. And I need to take every thought captive in order to do that. I can’t let thoughts of hurt and rejection weasel in take over. I need to allow Christ to rule and shine bright.