the grudge

No I'm not talking about the movie....but if I was, let's just say that instead of sitting here typing this I would be hidden under a blanket refusing to come out until the movie was over. I'm a self-proclaimed wimp and I need something or someone to hide behind while I think happy thoughts about sunshine and flowers and bunnies.

Bunnies aside, let's talk about real grudges. The ones that reflect a not so happy side of us.
They fester and annoy to the point where a grudge can define certain relationships! I held on to my hate for people that bullied me in elementary school for years until I finally realized it had become a part of me. A part of me that I did NOT want following me around anymore.

Ladies (and boys), we all know girls can be catty, cruel and just plain mean. Let's be honest! I've been that person, and so have you. But how are we ANY better by turning around and thinking up ways to "get back at them" or talking about those people behind THEIR backs? Think Mean Girls for a minute.......cat fight anyone?

Ecclesiastes 7:21-22 NIV says "Do not pay attention to every word people say, or you may hear your servant cursing you. For you know in your heart that many times you yourself have cursed others"

That was a defining verse for me. Yes, talking trash may make us feel better in that moment - but really, in the long run is it really helping? Are we reflecting goodness, truth and most importantly: Jesus? Heck NO! We have no right to get upset and call someone out on something when we have said or done the same thing. Does it feel good to just let it go and LOVE someone despite what they've said about you? Heck YES. But it's hard....we're human and we're sensitive and we hold grudges.

Try this: Let those people see what they're missing by not making comments about someone's hair and how "fuzzy" it is today (true story!), let them see you walk by with a smile instead of telling them their eyes are crossed. It will drive them crazy and cause them to think.....I really need to listen to myself sometimes.

Seriously though.....put it into practice. We need all the support and help we can get. If we aren't lifting up - we're only strangling and dragging ourselves down with those who we hold that grudge against. Love them, love you and love God.

Simple, right? ;)

And now I want a bunny. :P