What's a person to do?
Well, I know what I want to do. I'd like to stomp over to her office and tell her the way it is. "Why are you doing this to us? Why are you letting your stress out on your students? You're making us feel worthless. Stop it!"
I've rehearsed my lines, tried to predict her response, but even as I think it through...I hear that still, small voice that quiets me. He's saying: Can you look into her eyes and see that hurts are always perpetuated by hurt people? Can you rename her "beloved" as I have renamed you? What are you willing to give up for Me?
And I'm convicted. In all my arrogance, all I wanted to do was prove myself. Prove I'm better. Pride always comes before a fall. But it's here - on my knees - that I see Him. Not just as the Most High God, but also as the One who stooped low in humility when my pride tore at His heart. He who let His enemies scorn and ridicule Him. He who let them write their hatred on His back. He, who with arms outstretched, died for my sake, in my place.
This same God has called me to follow Him. When others lash back, to love back. To retaliate with love. To conquer with love.
Will my heart soften or become calloused? Really, when I soften towards my enemies, I soften towards Him - the biggest, kindest, tenderest heart there is.
It came at 3 am - a little idea of how to maybe brighten her day. Perhaps it won't make a difference in how she treats her students. But it's already made a difference in me...and that delights His heart.
"Forgiveness is the garment
Of our courage
The power to make the peace
We long to know
Open up our eyes
To see the wounds that bind
All of humankind
May our shattered hearts
Greet the dawn of life
With charity and love"
-The Brilliance