Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive."1

No need to bend under the weight of past mistakes. That kind of bending breaks us.

God gave us emotions. Emotions allow us to feel as we experience life. Because we feel, we connect.

Forgiveness releases to the Lord your need for them to be punished or corrected, giving it to the only One who can do this with right measures of justice and mercy.

Why did this happen? Because there's someone else in the world who would drown in their own tears if not for seeing yours.

I only needed to bring my willingness to forgive, not the fullness of all my restored feelings.

Self-rejection paves the landing strip for the rejection of others to arrive and pull on up to the gates of our hearts. Think about why it hurts so much when other people say or do things that make you feel rejected. Isn't it in part due to the fact they just voiced some vulnerability you've already berated yourself for? It hurts exponentially more when you're kicked in an already bruised shin.

God's eyes are on me. His face is not against me. And even if others appear to be against me, I must make sure in my reaction to them that I extend grace and honor God.

God made us For Giving. God made you For Giving. God made me For Giving.

grace is such a crazy notion to the heart of the one rejected. But if we will step over the hurt feelings and turn from the box of bitter rot, we are then free to pick up the box of sweet, pure lilies.

What happened yesterday can't be changed, but it can be forgiven. That's your miracle in the mess.

Perfection intimidates. Compassion inspires. And in that you will finally find the why. Why did this happen? Because there's someone else in the world who would drown in their own tears if not for seeing yours. And when you make one other human simply see they aren't alone, you make the world a better place.