“I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” Gen. 12:3
It goes without saying that many may be blessed by your healing process. However, there will be those who won’t understand or won’t like what’s happening to you. People who love you may try to dissuade you. People who are concerned for your well-being, devastated by your perceived pain, reminded of their own trauma, or frightened by your risk of danger may say all manner of things in an effort to call you back to safety. People who are challenged by your growth, jealous of your success, dependent on your mediocrity, disgusted by your sacrifices, or exposed by your integrity may do all kinds of hurtful things in an effort to demand you stay as you were. Even the ones you swore would support you to the end, may betray, abandon, or crucify you in a moment of weakness or anger.
Do not be surprised. Do not be upset. Do not retaliate or seek revenge. Do not be caught up in defending yourself. Of course, don’t give abusers access, and don’t give gossipers any fuel. But be careful of burning bridges and ruining relationships prematurely. Give them time. Allow some physical or emotional distance if needed. Let them say or do whatever they will. Pray for them and leave them with God. Then focus on His love. Stay the course you’ve begun. Receive love for yourself. Treat yourself well. Say kind things of and to yourself. Say kind things of others or say nothing. Let love do the quiet work in your heart now to prove itself as the better course later. You’ll be stronger as a result, and your quiet strength will speak louder for you in the end.
God, you haven’t left me alone. Thank you for your presence and peace. I confess that I’ve trusted other people over you, but I repent. I’ll trust your promise not to leave or forsake me. Bless those who watch me. Keep me while I show them that You are enough. Amen.
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