In the last article we considered the positive power of memories.
It can be encouraging, uplifting and simply a joy to recall those wonderful experiences in our lives, or even the more difficult ones as we recall the victories that followed.
We also considered ways in which a positive memory could turn negative. This can happen especially if you are going through a more barren phase of live right now and so you end up wishing for the good old days.
Memories are not for wishing:
This day dreaming and wishing is certainly not an encouraging state of mind. In fact it could easily lead to despondency and depression. Don’t do that, it is not worth it.
Besides your present situation is designed to lead to you a GREATER victory than you have ever experienced before, and so lift you up to a higher plane in life!
So if this is where you are today, keep your eyes on your goals and your faith strong.
Look at the example of Jesus Himself, as we find in Hebrews 12:2
Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Note that Jesus did not look behind or even at the present difficulties. His eyes were firmly fixed on his main goals, the reason for what He was going through now.
Now what about those negative memories? You know, the ones you really don’t want to think about.
I know you don’t want to hear this, but you yet you do because you want to be free! The reason those memories are still so painful is that you have not yet forgiven the person or people involved.
That’s right, if the pain is still there, you have not completely forgiven those involved. And remember, you were involved in some way too. So often it is easier to forgive others than to forgive ourselves right?
Top three facts about lack of forgiveness:
Lack of forgiveness can be a very heavy burden in your life. It is an unseen burden, but it is very heavy.
Lack of forgiveness is also a poison. It will affect all of your present relationships sooner or later.
Why? Because when you have not completely forgiven, your mind is open to the trap of falling into the dramas of resentment and vengeance. You know, those dramas that involve what you would like to do (if it were legal) to that person to get even.
There is also a confusion between forgiveness and trust. Many folk are afraid to forgive because they are afraid to trust that person again.
Well here’s some good news. Forgiveness has nothing to do with trust.
- Trust is earned.
- Forgiveness is a decision. To forgive is to release!
Yes that is right, when you decide to forgive a person you release them from your mind. No more negative dramas in your mind that keep dragging you into negative land, depression and resentment. You are free!
The past relationship you had with that person will never be the same.
Now you are free to think clearly and positively. You are also free to decide to rebuild (if the other person of course decides they want to re-earn your trust, and proves it) and to what level.
If the other person is a negative leech, of course you are not going to spend time listening to them, let alone building a relationship with them.
Surround yourself with positive, faith filled people who’s lives will always be challenging you to climb higher and achieve more in life.
Above all, these people will inspire you to run your race of life as a champion who’s goal is to win!
Shileen
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Jill
Bruce
