Grace Can Change a Heart

I like action movies. I like the heroes, the tough guy in movies like the Dark Knight, Unforgiven and the endless series of Die Hard movies. I like it when the bad guy gets what is coming to him. That big punch in the face of revenge feels good and justified. When we were little and someone did something mean, we would tell them, "oh boy, now you are going to get it!"and most often, they did. My dad is former a policeman and his job was to catch the bad guy and put him away. I have seen a lot of "bad guys" in my work, men or women who are cruel to their employees, co-workers, spouses or their children. There are so many ways that people can make you crazy. From the guy in his car who is in your way or careless on the road, to the person talking too loud behind you during the unbelievably expensive movie or concert you are trying to enjoy to the friend who talks just to hear the sound of her own voice. I have a friend and we laugh about silly things people do and we say they need "frying pan therapy." In other words, frying pan applied to the side of the head and then the stars circle around the person's head like in the cartoons of old.

Sometimes we think that would feel pretty good...

But really, would it?

I will tell you that I struggle with this issue a lot. I am a redhead and have the fiery temper to go along with it. I am emotional and sensitive and can be very loving on my good days, but I also will stand up and fight for those who I think need me to do so or for myself. But many times, all I do is cause more problems than I solve. My righteous indignation makes me part of the problem. So, Mike Jakaitis asked me to write the church bulletin for Giving Grace Away at church and I did so gladly, but when I did, God put a question on my heart, "So, Cheri, when are you going to start truly giving grace away?" Hmmmmm. He has a way of doing that, doesn't he? And He waits for me on this one. He will too, until I get it.

There are a couple of people who have deeply hurt and continue to hurt people who mean the world to me. They have been on my enemy list for a very long time. I will tell you that in my heart, I want them to "get it." I want my dear ones to stand up, say, "I am mad and I am not going to take it anymore" and apply one frying pan where it counts. Just like in the movies...

But that is not God's way. He loves that guy with the frying pan dent on the side of his head. He loves me too, even when I rant and rave. He wants me to learn that He has a better way. I need to pray for "the bad guy." I need to extend grace and give grace away and know that God is the only one who can change a heart. I need to ask Him to take the things that worry me and make me mad, to see what drives the other person to abuse and damage my loved ones. The bad guy's heart also needs to be changed and so does my heart.

So pray for me on this one, will you? I have 46 years of hot blooded temper to cool down. I have to remember to keep praying when I am angry or frustrated. I need to pass this on to God as He is the only one who can make it better. I need to see the only way I can help is to pray. I might need a muzzle or a sedative sometimes.

There is also the distinct possibility that I might be the one who needs the frying pan.