Sometimes it is necessary to get it off your chest. Well, here goes. It has often been said, “If you can’t take the heat, get out of the kitchen!” But being kicked out is another story.
Life deals blows without regard to our feelings or positions. Often we are disrespected as comrades or family. People that cannot take criticism will find difficulty in getting through life without unnecessary trauma. I have experienced many emotions during the past several months. There have been moments of complete reactive anger at individuals and their lack of compassion. The hypocrisy is rampant among those that preach biblical values for living. Two-faced religious morons are running rampant in our world.
I can take abuse and mistreatment because the truth sustains me. Everyone is subject to criticism of their words, beliefs, and actions. This happens because we live in a world of diversity. Though we may adhere firmly to our positions, lessons can be learned if the criticism is used constructively. It shouldn’t matter if it is delivered in a favorable manner or not.
Being offended and giving offense is inevitable if you are a living, breathing human being. Our reaction to offenses will determine our future. Yes, I have been offended. And yes, I have recovered. The principle is to learn from all situations. I cannot fret over bad stuff and what should have been, but I can avoid it repeating.
Through my recent betrayal I have resigned myself to accept the results knowing they have worked out for my good. But it remains an awful feeling to have had a close friend of like profession call you a thief to someone else and deny you audience to explain and question the involvement. I call it slanderous and malicious intent to practice nepotism. It is flagrant abuse of power.
In my opinion there was ulterior motive that moved a leader to make such statement. I would welcome a rebuttal if deemed a necessary defense. That would be better than the total abandonment I have been delivered. In my usual gentle way I have allowed the powers that be walk all over me. Maybe the win is on their side for now but I would remind them that you reap what you sow.
The demeanor in which the situation was handled to remove me instantaneously from my livelihood was clearly a matter of collusion without regard for my personal interests and defense. The intent was to harm. To not even face me was a travesty, instead he sent his "hit" man. Wimpy methodology.
The action was carried out in a spineless manner. It was done with malicious intent which was unethical, illegal and unchristian. You cannot cover the action with any amount of paint and make it go away. Judgment day will reveal the intricate plotting that was revealed to me through a prophecy from an uninvolved person.
Do not call me friend and refuse to call me. If you cared you would have already addressed me or paid a visit to me. You have my number which remains the same. You know my address. You have acted in an unprofessional way and I put you in the category of Pharisee. Don’t cover up your sin by convincing others you are a godly person through religious practices.
It may sound like I am bitter. I am not, for I am better off. Today I am out from under the pressure of excessive legalism and control by the uneducated or immature. Since separation my vision of the forest is clearer, too close to the trees blocked the truth.
It may sound like I have not followed the Scripture in forgiveness. However, when you consider the responsibility of an office held by a superior there is a precedent of how a leader should lead. It is a two-way street,.
I did not initiate the action that brought my dismissal – the leader permitted it. To say he had nothing to do with it is preposterous and without foundation, the very position served as support and anchor of the certainty for the action. The office should have served as a mediation tool to bring reconciliation. You cannot hope to resolve conflict without a close examination of both sides. Permission was granted for such action to take place and there is guilt of malpractice in the position of authority and leadership.
An apology would be in order. Friendship will never be the same; the water of time has damaged the bridge to that type of relationship.
This was very well put I could not have said it better myself...it almost feels like you've been walking in my shoes lately as my life has paralled yours very closely. I believe there is forgiveness, but as you said, you can keep the situation from repeating and the bridge has been burned. I think when we were instructed to "forgive and forget", it was expected for us to not allow ourselves into a same situation where circumstances could be repeated. I don't think God expects us to be stupid. As for me? My eldest told me that she felt I am the flame to which "users" are attracted. I am generous and compassionate and don't see the bad in people until they have walked all over me and put me so far down that it is difficult for me to get up (so to speak).
ReplyDeleteIt will be a while for this to smooth out for you, but as with all bad/sad things, this too shall pass. You will just be a stronger, and perhaps wiser, person for it. You have your faith...stand firm in it.