Chyourange Story BY KIRSTIN LEIGH
BE A LIGHT—Without Getting Burned
D
o you have a complicated relationship with someone you love? Do you get nervous before get-togethers and holidays just thinking of the “what-ifs”? Maybe you had an absent, abusive, or emotionally unavailable mom or dad. Whether it’s a rebellious child, a competitive sibling, or a friend who is making decisions you don’t agree with, most of us love someone who, at one point or another, is hard to love. No matter what the situation is, the question remains: How do we brace ourselves in a godly way for the phone conversations, visits, and holidays? How can we be a light—without getting burned? Before you embark on the tough conversations or the long road trip, here are few things to things to consider. 1. What are your motives? For instance, are you still trying to prove yourself? Is your goal to finally get them to admit they were wrong? Do you want something they are incapable of giving? Prior to “Changing My Story,” I wanted all these things and more! Our motives change when we fully forgive. But forgiveness is a process. There are many times I thought I had fully forgiven someone. And I had—to the extent that I could. But as we grow and heal, a deeper level of forgiveness is required. 34
