How could I have been so blind? It’s embarrassing to admit that as a mature and fairly intelligent woman I was blindsided by a con artist ~~ but I live to tell you this, Girlfriend, right here and right now.
Still feeling the numbness ~~ hearing those haunting words coming from the mouth of the Bank manager: “I’m sorry ma’am, but this is fraudulent activity … I suggest you file a police report …”
Stunned … in denial … sick to my stomach.
“But Lord, I prayed about this ~~ and my every move ~~ and I believed that this was prudent and true …
But it wasn’t.
Ironically, I just concluded a small group Bible Study through the life of Joseph (son of Jacob) ~~ and the running theme was forgiveness.
There was a poignant segment in our study (at least for me) where we “witnessed” the accounts of Joseph having been betrayed by people he had trusted: family members, people he had helped in prison, Pharoah’s (his employer) wife … those whom you or I would NEVER suspect would conspire or intend to harm.
To make matters worse, Joseph even had to suffer and endure the consequences of their actions ~~ even while he himself did NOTHING to evil provoke them.
I can relate to possible feelings and emotions that Joseph may have felt during his anguish ~~ the all encompassing “why” haunts me, echoing incessantly in my mind.
There are corners in my spirit that want to wail and cry VICTIM … but strangely, these emotions are overcome by stillness … there’s the human part of me that demands restitution and apology and vengeance … miraculously these feelings are being washed over by calm …
I am a God-fearing, Jesus-Following woman ~~ so I do pray and seek wisdom from His Word, because God is Truth. Whether He has chosen to allow me to experience these things first to teach me to depend on Him for everything including possible irrational behavior (which can easily happen with me), with the purpose for me to share my encounter with others to prevent further damaging experiences ~~ or to grow me further and develop me into His Chosen Woman of Grace to carry out an even greater purpose (one that has yet to be revealed to me) … I trust Him for that.
Sting? Yes! Temporary setback? Yes!
Psalm 94:16-19 Who will protect me from the wicked? Who will stand up for me against evildoers? Unless the Lord had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave. I cried out, “I am slipping!” but your unfailing love, O Lord, supported me. When doubts filled my mind, your comfort gave me renewed hope and cheer.
My GOD is Greater and Higher than any other!
If you have experienced anything similar Sister, I invite you to open up here and lift UP the spirits of another Sister who may possibly be hiding in the shadows of her shame and guilt ~~ embarrassment is NOT from God. But forgiveness is!
I love you all to Heaven and Back ~~
LindaRJohnson
T2T Visionary
Titus Two 