Hey ladies! What did you think about the poem yesterday? When I read it for the first time, it was like I wanted to mature immediately into that way of thinking. It's almost like it softens the heart. So today, I'm asking you to open your heart and really take in what follows. Let's go...

"I'm sorry..."

Have you ever had someone that hurt you say those two words to you? Do you remember how you felt hearing them? On the flip side of that, have you ever longed for someone to say these words, but you're still waiting?

Forgiveness. Another powerful word that stirs up strong emotions in both the person on the receiving end, as well as the one that gathered their nerves to apologize. 

Yesterday we talked about acceptance and how important it is to be okay with the truth, for your own good. Well another step in this process is forgiveness – not just forgiving others though, but also forgiving your self.

Everybody has a story (some more dramatic than others), and at some point in our lives, we have all experienced hurt. But what I find quite interesting is that many times the people that hurt you never set out to do so. There was no wicked plan or scheme; they just took the selfish route and decided to "do them." And I've also found it common for people not to even realize they've hurt someone's feelings until they detect a change in attitude towards them by the offended person. 

With this in mind, is there anyone you need to forgive? Based on your list of things to “accept” from yesterday, are there any names and faces attached to those experiences? If so, it’s time to forgive.

Make a list of names, and one-by-one, along with accepting unfortunate things that have happened to you, forgive the parties attached to those hurtful situations. Now, I’m not suggesting that you pick up the phone and call these people – they might find it creepy (lol), but I am asking you to free your heart from any ill feelings you may have toward them and the situation that happened. Releasing others helps you to release your self. Here’s an example of what you could speak into the atmosphere:

“John, I forgive you for what you did to me.” (Be detailed.) “I release all the hurt you caused, from my life, and I release myself from it having a hold on me any longer.”

Now, let’s go higher. Is there anyone you need to extend an apology to? This one is hard, I know. But just like your heart longs to hear a deserved apology, so does a person you offended.  In this particular case, you might want to apologize in person or pick up the phone, or you could send an e-mail if you’re chicken (this would be my approach…LOL).  

Lastly, and most forgotten is forgiving yourself. As important as it is to forgive others, you must also forgive yourself. Some times we just mess up. We make bad choices, we say the wrong thing, we do the wrong thing – it happens. Don't beat up on yourself about it. Instead, repent…forgive yourself…accept and love!

Words of wisdom to keep in your heart: People can’t meet your expectations. Only Jesus can meet your every need.

Tomorrow we'll tap into the man-woman mystery on the topic of Sexual Behavior. Get ready to set standards for how you'll move forward with men. Out with the old...in with the new!  )

Don't forget Proverbs 3:5-6.

Chat tomorrow...
Icen