Sharing inspiring stories
Sharing inspiring stories
There’s a slogan that says, "When in Rome, do as the Romans do." However, this approach doesn't apply to every situation. Sometimes, even in Rome, you need to take a stand and not follow the patterns of the world; you need to be willing to stand out.
“Have you told him?” Pat asked.
“Told him?” Anna snapped.
“Of course not!” “Anna!” Pat called out firmly. “I'm really getting angry at you now. I can’t believe you’re keeping such a secret from your husband.”
“I can’t tell him,” Anna whispered into the receiver.
“Secrets are not good, Anna; they destroy homes, marriages, families. You have to come clean. You need to confess to him.” “This is my secret, Pat, and I would like it to remain so until—”
“Until when?” Pat shouted in frustration.
“Until I say so,” Anna snapped back. Anna could hear Pat inhale deeply.
“Everyone has a secret, Pat, especially in marriage. Some things are better kept private,” she said.
“What?” Pat gasped. “I can’t believe you’re saying this. Secrets are bad, Anna. This is really troubling.” She spoke gently to her. “You cannot hide this from him; it’s not right.”
Resentment is like drinking a glass of poison while glaring at your offender, waiting for them to suffer. It is self-destructive, which is one reason we must forgive; we have no more right to harm ourselves than we do to harm anyone else created in God’s image. It’s not that the other person didn’t do something wrong; it’s that if we aren’t careful, their wrongdoing can take control of our hearts and minds. In a very real sense, resentment allows someone else to own a part of you. It can become an obsession, robbing you of joy and clarity
"Procrastination is the thief of time; year after year, it steals away our moments until all are gone, leaving us at the mercy of a fleeting instant, while vast concerns of our eternal state remain unaddressed. At thirty, a man suspects he may be a fool; by forty, he knows it and resolves to change; by fifty, he chastises his infamous delays and pushes his prudent intentions to take action. In all his noble thoughts, he resolves and re-resolves, yet ultimately dies in the same state." ~ Edward Young
He swallowed hard. “You need to know that this is a tough decision for me, but I have to do what’s best for my family,” he said quietly, watching her take another mouthful of salad. “What we had was a mistake—a terrible mistake,” he continued slowly. “If we keep this up, we’re going to hurt the people we care about…” He paused, searching her face for a reaction, but it remained expressionless. “I’ve thought about this for days, and I want you to understand that this decision hasn’t been easy for me,” he said, running his hands through his hair. “I don’t want to lose my family… please, Amanda…” He took a moment to gather his thoughts. “We can’t continue like this; we have to stop…”
Let's be clear: the silent treatment is a form of punishment. This should not be confused with taking time alone to sort out your feelings, which is both understandable and normal. However, there are instances when you may feel angry and lash out by completely shutting down and not allowing your partner to connect with you at all. You might be so upset that you find it difficult to say anything.
As he walked past Sophia’s room, he noticed the door was slightly open, so he peeked inside. She was facing the wall. He wanted to say something but wasn’t sure what she had heard or seen. He stood by the door for several seconds before walking back to his own room. Part of him wanted to check on Amanda, but another part just wanted to be alone. All he wanted now was to reflect on his life. He wasn’t sure where to begin, but he realized that his betrayal was closer to home than he had imagined. What was going through his little girl’s head? What had she heard? What did she understand? These thoughts plagued his mind.
Those who thought you cannot amount to anything—who have spoken against you, insulted you, and scorned you—will witness the manifestation of God’s blessings in your life. They will see you excel and be promoted beyond their wildest imaginations. Oh my! What God has planned for you, the enemy cannot stop. He cannot stand it, and there is nothing he can do about it. God will bring it to fruition.
For the first time in her life, Rachael had no idea what to say to her friend. She had never imagined herself in such a situation before, and in that moment, she thought of what a little girl might do if she needed help—run to her mother. “Maybe my mother could help,” Rachael uttered, but immediately regretted saying it. The thought of involving her mother wouldn’t make things any easier for them. “Your mother!” Aamilah’s jaw clenched in disgust. “What do you think your mother would do?” she snapped, then remembered that she already knew the answer. Aamilah covered her mouth to stifle the screams that were about to erupt. “Oh God…” she cried out. “This is not happening to me—what have I done to myself?” She sank to the floor in tears.
The Lord bless you and keep you;
The Lord make His face shine upon you,
And be gracious to you;
The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,
And give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26
