Mimi's Bucket List!

What is it about our pasts that haunt us and keep us trapped in chains? Why is it that when you're the one who was wronged, you have a greater tendency to avoid those that have wronged you as if somehow you are the culprit?

It took me a long time to figure out that it was me who was allowing myself to be wrapped in those chains rather than setting myself free. I have recently taken steps to allow myself to rediscover that not only am I worthy of His love, but that I did not deserve to be subjected to such hurtful and demeaning acts. As we go through our journey in life, there will be many people that will hurt us in one way or another. As sad as it is for people to feel that they can go through life treating others this way, it is much sadder to deprive ourselves of what God intended for us to have in this journey called life. "At times, others may treat us disrespectfully, but we can be certain of our dignity and worth because we have been created in the image of God". You won't always get that apology you feel you deserve, nor will you always see karma at work or have the satisfaction of having all truths revealed, but we should never forget that we mean everything to our creator. Continue to "love thy enemy" for we are taught that there is no honor in loving those who love us back, but rather that there is great honor in loving those that wrong us. Trust that all will be put right in its due course, and that even though all your prayers may not be answered, all of the ones that SHOULD be answered in accordance to His divine plan will be!

I want to thank all of those that helped me face my ghosts from my past, and most importantly, helped me get back on track in my spiritual life! You know who you are! I couldn't have done it without you! I know it couldn't have been easy!

Ok I'm forewarning everyone! This is going to be a heated response to what happened to a dear friend of mine recently, and it revolves around religion! It surprises me to see just how many people are out there who are not only close-minded and judgmental, but also hypocritical! Am I Christian? Yes. Am I a perfect one? No. I don't claim to be a devout or perfect Christian, however, considering the so-called "Elders" that lead our churches these days it's not hard to understand my discouragement or disinterest in being a member of one. Being an Elder does NOT give you the right to judge someone in God's stead. Being an Elder does NOT give you the right to act self-righteous and not be held accountable for your actions. Being an Elder does NOT mean you get to walk all over someone and not apologize for your hurtful actions. Being an Elder does NOT make you a superior human being that no longer needs to EARN respect! Being an Elder you have a responsibility to lead by example. Lead the Christian life and teach those who want to learn the TRUE Christian way. Being an Elder means you forgive the sins of others the same way you've been forgiven of your own (I know plenty of Elders that have pasts full of drugs, alcohol, and partying which they've conveniently forgotten about!). Now don't get me wrong, I also know many Elders that should be greatly respected despite their pasts. I respect them for acknowledging their imperfections and for trying to lead us in a Christian way of life despite our everyday struggles. I respect them for showing us that when we as humans make mistakes and stumble, we as Christians should continue to love, accept, and respect each other. As most of you know, most of my Dad's family all serve as Elders in their church which they've been a part of for over 20 years, and not once have they used it as a license to put someone down or brag. Have they all been perfect Elders? No. But I will say this much. In due time they've ALWAYS apologized for any hurt they've caused or mistakes they have made. They don't make the same mistakes twice, and they strive to live by their hearts every day. They commit to the responsibility that as Elders they must acknowledge, admit, and apologize for their mistakes no matter how difficult it may be. We must forgive each other as Christians if we ever expect to gain forgiveness by God! That, to me, makes not only a true Christian, but a truly respected Elder!