A conversation with one of my daughters recently, has been going through my mind, penetrating my heart, my soul.
The conversation related to her studies concerning the pursuit of equal rights of women in history, but it was my own mantra (belief) that surfaced in that conversation, and in my thoughts since.
My mantra is this :
I do not, nor ever will, live life as a victim.
So, to my three kids, who I love more than words could ever communicate …
Know this … I have :
whined
complained
cried
shook my fists into the air
said, “why me”
said “it’s not fair”
And then I move on.
Oh, it might take me days, or weeks … or years
but I do eventually
move on,
because
I will not, nor ever will, live life as a victim.
Live is not fair … this is so true!
You WILL experience
hurt
rejection
persecution
deception
hate
in your lives.
Expect it!
But do not ever live life as a victim.
You might be treated unfairly for:
your gender
your hair color
your cultural background
your language
your religious beliefs
your athletic abilities (or lack there of)
your political views
your age
your education
your lifestyle choices
your family
or because you wore the ‘wrong’ color t-shirt.
This is part of life.
But do not ever live life as a victim.
You might experience unfairness at the hands of :
your brother/sister
your best friend
your neighbor
your classmate
your teacher
your politicians
your country
your community
your church
your mom
This too, is part of life.
But do not ever live life as a victim.
Being treated unfairly will make you :
angry
vengeful
heartbroken
sorrowful
depressed
And this is all normal, expected, understandable.
But do not ever live life as a victim.
do not give your anger fists
do not blame
do not sit in your sorrow
do not allow the unfair things of life …
… to steal your life!
Do not ever live life as a victim.
keep dreaming
keep hoping
keep breathing
My kids, who I love enough to tell you this truth that life is just not fair …
When life throws you those expected lemons, make lemonade. You might not even have enough sweet sugar to make it palatable, but it will quench your thirst.
Do not ever live life as a victim.
And … please remember this …
this life, these years of one to ninety … they are not eternity!
This earthly life does not even touch our eternity to come.
“I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.
In the world you have trouble and suffering,
but take courage–I have conquered the world.”
John 16:33
Great reminder for the wounded and the ones picking up the broken remnants of brokenness. Love your blog!
(brokenness in the ones we love)