Author's Note: For those who feel disappointed and ashamed of the choices I've made, this post is for you.
The Letter
Dear Critic,
Who are you to judge, criticize, and condemn me? What gives you the right to decide what is good, right, and true for my life and household? You didn't pay a price for me, nor have you shown real value for me.
Your mistreatment reveals that you see me as insignificant. Your judgment clouds your perception, and your condemnation exposes your own heart. Your criticism demands self-reflection. What kind of fruit are you harvesting—ripe or rotten?
Have you ever stopped to consider where you would be if you had experienced what I have? Would you walk away unchanged, still imprisoned by fear, oppression, and anxiety? Controlled by others' opinions and ideas of who you should be? Living in deception and denying your authenticity?
Compare a person without faith facing loss and devastation to someone with faith. My life is evidence of my faith anchored in Jesus Christ. Imagine if I had lost faith and denied Jesus as my Savior— I must confess, the likelihood of my existence remaining on earth would be questioned.
It's only because I believe and know Christ lives that I remain alive! The Holy Spirit is revealing His truth to and for me increasingly with each step I take forward. I have chosen a path of freedom, and am fighting for it every single day.
But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth. John 16:13
I don't understand your disappointment and shame, but it conveys your heart and impure intentions. I celebrate others' freedom, their victories, healing, and deliverance. Feeling shame or disappointment at someone else's freedom points to evil and darkness.
Despite this, I will continue to pray for you. For the world's deception is hate, but God's message is love.
Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 1 John 4:8
Prayer for Understanding and Healing
Dear Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart open to Your love and guidance. Today, I lift up those who feel disappointed or ashamed of the choices I have made. I ask that You grant them understanding and compassion.
Lord, help them to see past their judgments and criticisms. Open their hearts to self-reflection and reveal to them the areas in their own lives where they need Your grace and mercy. Remind them, Father, that none of us are perfect and that we all walk our unique paths guided by Your hand.
Fill their hearts with Your light, dispelling any darkness that causes them to feel negatively towards others' journeys. Replace their feelings of disappointment and shame with love, empathy, and support. Teach them to celebrate the victories, freedom, and healing of others, just as You celebrate each of us.
Lord, I pray for their peace and for the transformation of their hearts. Help them to find joy in the successes and deliverance of others, and to understand that Your love and grace are abundant for everyone.
In Jesus Holy Name, I pray,
Amen.
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