As one who lives in the "Land of the Trembling Earth" and has or is experiencing those negative effects, I can only wholeheartedly agree with the premise of this message.

Forgiveness towards those who initiate the Process of Divorce (many times thinking they had no choice and every right to file)is so radically counter-cultural it is rarely demonstrated even by those who claim to be "God-Fearers".

I look at the following passage where the Lord says the same thing in a different direction: "if you do not forgive men, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions."

Now, I have found this a very troubling, if not absolutely frightening and very hard saying from Jesus.

Truth be told, I would just as soon be given "special dispensation" from "god" to ignore this Directive/Warning, nonetheless, it returns over and again--every day.

Fact of the matter is; someone must be willing to trust and believe it, put aside their pride and "rights" (those rights the world so often attempts to define and enforce for us)and approach that former Spouse with things like,

"I want the children to love both Parents..."
"I want him to love you just as much as he loves me..."
"The same Blood that removes the Guilt and Penalty of my sins is the same Blood which removes yours...He loves the both of us"
"I like your Husband and I am glad you are happy together..."
"I have given our son permission to love his Mom...I want you both to love each other as much as you can..."

Have I always wanted this? No...
Has it been one of the most--if not the most--difficult undertakings ever attempted?

Absolutely...it has often gone unappreciated and ignored.

Back to the Awards Ceremony. One of the people who worked with my son this past week came up to me and said, "Oh, are you Juniors Dad?" I said I was and she began to tell me how much she enjoyed working with him during the camp.

She continued, "I saw you sitting with his Mom and her Husband at dinner at the ceremony...that must be something really hard to do."

I replied, "it has to be done regardless...there is just no other way."

Then she began to talk about her Mother and Father and their divorce. How to this day, they stayed at each other's throats and there were never times when she could just have her Mom and Dad together in a pleasant moment for the three of them...

"I wish my Mom and Dad would quit fighting after all these years...I wish they would have shown some togetherness for me at those times like Holidays and Special Occasions."

Several others who had moved in tighter to listen in began to nod in agreement...

"That is Huge for your Son...it will make such a difference for him now and later!!!"

Then she begins to brag to Junior about what a "special Dad" he has...he grins in return and they begin to talk shop.

So, I think to myself; Bryant's "Friday the Thirteenth" Message comes through loud and clear. A nudge from the Word--just as a little reminder to be humble and show approval/acceptance for that former Spouse/Junior's Mom in front of her fellow Clubmembers.

So, is the War Won?

Doubt it...

You see...in the "Land of the Trembling Earth", there is plenty of my sin against others and the Lord which will require their moment-by-moment forgiveness.

Married Folk?

You don't want to come over here...

- Gunk

Thank you, Gunk, for taking time to post and show truth in love. I thank God there are parents who are able to put the well-being of their children above trying to get relief for their own pain and suffering. You deserve a doubly happy Father's Day! - Janice