There are some people in this world that absolutely hate me. It should infuriate me that they say bad things about me, especially to my kids. There are certain people that haven’t let go of the past and hold grudges against me for things that I didn’t even do. There are others that have never even met me, yet say unimaginable mean things about me.

I should be angry. I should get even. I should hate them too. At least that is what society says.

But what does God say?

God says love one another. God says love your neighbor as yourself. God says that all people are his children.

So where does that leave me? How do I love someone who is making life so hard, so complicated? How do I love someone that keeps hurting my children over and over? How?

I have learned to pray for them. Every day I pray for these people. Yes some days are harder than others. Yes some prayers are through clenched teeth when you find out the lies that they are telling your kids and you have to try to “fix” the damage that they are causing to your child’s emotional well-being.

Yet, prayers for them. No not prayers for their death, but prayers for good health. Prayers for less physical pain or comfort through the pain. Prayers that their health holds up and they find happiness.

Prayers for wealth. That they will be able to provide for the ones that they have to care for. That they can keep a house, a job, and thrive financially.

Prayers of forgiveness. Help me God to keep forgiving them every day for what they do. The pain of anger and un-forgiveness only hurts you. Help them God to forgive me, to forgive themselves, and to let go of resentment and anger. I feel bad for them that they have so little self-esteem that they have to tear others down to feel better about themselves. I hope they can find it in their hearts to forgive.

Prayers of thankfulness. I am thankful that you brought these people into my life. Without them I wouldn’t have my kids who have taught me so much about life and myself. Without them I wouldn’t have learned exactly how I should not be treated in a marriage. Without them I wouldn’t have the husband that I have now. Without them I wouldn’t have the drive to help others learn from their struggles and see what strengths they really have. Thank you God. Thank you for these certain people. I owe them a lot.

So where does that leave me? After praying for them it leaves me feeling happy, peaceful, blessed. I’d rather feel that than hatred, hurt, and pain.

Keep smiling my friends! ????