"Once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12



“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.”- William Butler Yeats





Thursday, February 12, 2009

HATE


That's a really strong word. According to Merriam-Webster's dictionary, the definition of "hate" is:

1. to dislike intensely or passionately; feel extreme aversion for or extreme hostility toward; detest:

I'm not sure if you all had a chance to read all the comments from the "Punishment" post or if you even do read them, but one particular comment left me pretty stunned, not to mention disturbed. As I lay in bed with a terrible migraine and trying to go to sleep early tonight , I kept tossing and turning thinking that I may be "harboring hate", as my reader Robin (whom I know is actually Jxxxx) stated in her comment.

Finally I couldn't take it anymore and I woke up Scott, who had also gone to bed early tonight. After making sure he was truly awake, I said, "Do you think I HATE anyone? Not dislike, I mean really hate anyone?" He looked at me and said, "You? No way!" I then told him about the comment and he brushed it off as "some upset liberal" and not to pay attention to it. He went back to sleep, but my mind didn't stop thinking.

Always being one to not shy away from controversial topics and definitely not one who ever tries to be politically correct, I decided to get up and voice my feelings.

I've been accused of a lot of things in my life, but hate is not one of them. This is definitely a first. I could easily compare hate to cyanide. It poisons the body and soul to the very core. It's something that I've learned through my walk with Christ to immediately rid myself of, because nothing is more destructive to oneself than hating someone else. I then went further and thought about the women and girls that have shared their stories with me about their post-abortion feelings and the more I thought about it, the more I think that it's those women that I need and do have the most compassion and empathy for. The same goes for abortionists and the people that influence the girls to destroy the very gift that God created in them.

Does it bother me when people kill children out of pure selfishness? Absolutely. If a child's death doesn't bother someone, then I shudder to think of what does. But do I HATE? Actually HATE? No. Obama is preparing to sign off on the death warrant of millions of babies. Do I hate him? No. I feel deep sadness for him. I think he desperately needs prayers and needs to be led to the one true, living God. the creator of life, in order for him to truly understand what he's doing.

One of the most healing powers that Jesus Christ graces us with is asking us to pray for our enemies. "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." - Matthew 5:44. Man! Have you ever tried praying for someone you really don't like or maybe even do hate? That's really tough!!! But you know what is completely amazing? The fact that God, and only God, can transform hearts. The more you pray for that person, the more compassionate your heart will be when your eyes are opened by God towards them. I know. It's happened to me. And it's blown me away at how differently you can see someone who you feel has persecuted you after you've prayed for them.

So, "Robin", your goal was achieved if it was meant to hurt (especially on a night with a major migraine). But, as God always does, He's not letting the enemy win. I continue to stand firm in my faith and honor my God by voicing out loud that He IS the creator of everything that has breath and that the sanctity of life should be protected first and foremost, at all costs, even if it isn't popular in today's society. "Let everything that has breath praise the LORD." - Psalm 150:6 As I've said many times before, He and He alone is the only one I will be accountable to when I stand before Him. Our time here is very limited. Eternity is forever.

I digress. I have been able to turn this "hate" ordeal around as proof that the Lord allows things to happen for His glory. "Robin", I am blessed that you took the time to point out to me that you feel I harbor hatred. Why? Because your unkind words, which I published anyway, has led me to His word, which is the one and only living truth. He and He alone is the only one that matters. He is the only reason I shall not stop doing my very, very small part in bringing to light the right to life, whether it's to a million readers or to one.

"Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. - Matthew 5:11

I will continue to strive and live by the words I keep at the top of this blog, keeping my eyes focused on Him and not on those of this world.

"..... and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." - James 1:27

My prayer is that you could do the same.


27 comments :

No Greater Gift Mom said...

Well said, my friend. Indeed, what a wonderful thing when you are lead back to His word- for nothing else is more powerful.
Amazed by His grace,
E
PS- How's your migraine? So sorry you aren't feeling well.

Sally-Girl! said...

Ohilda, I love your blog for your honesty, your opinions, your faith, your convictions! Have I ever left feeling you are a woman with a very strong opinion? YES!!! Have I ever left your blog equating you and the word Hate?NEVER!!!!!!

Sassy Pants Freckle Face said...

Well,Ohilda

I do Hate and am not a good person because of it but I prefer to use the word loath as I state that word is a "bad" word ( a whole do as I say not as I do). I have A LOT more not so nice things to say~

However you, give love by your words as a sweet caress from a mothers first loving touch. You do this without judgement, because you love the Lord and know his love. In all of the months I have followed you I have wanted you to be angry at some of the silly things people post,.. but you don't because of Jesus and that love you have allowed in,.. That makes you special and unique. So good for you and I know any others that try to brake your kind spirit do not know what they face, a heart of gold embraced by God.

I on the other hand,..

well you can send 'em over to my page I don't mind sharing My Loath :)

YOU ROCK MAMA!

Susan said...

For every reader that tries to "squelch" your testimony, please know there are so many more that are being reached by your commitment to preserve and protect innocent life. We are sadly in an age of anti-Christ (I mean that in the sense of there is tolerance for almost everything these days except for Christians and their commitment toward Biblical values and truths).

I also believe Satan won't give up and we need to fight harder than ever for our voices to be heard. I'm frustrated in so many 'Churches' that seem to want to tickle the ears these days instead of taking the necessary stands. I'm afraid it's either speak up (loudly) and be heard, or forever our lives and those of our children will pay the price.

Speaking up does not equal hate. The "Hate" game is an old technique used to derail, defame and discourage... Don't let them win the war of a lie! Rock on my friend!

Amy said...

Dear Ohilda,
I'd like to share with you one of my favorite "verses to live by." I have this on my blog as a daily reminder. I believe you live by these "Paradoxical Commandments." I believe you are filled with LOVE...nothing but LOVE.
I admire and respect you...and yes, I LOVE YOU, sweet friend.

Anyway - The Paradoxical Commandments

* People are unreasonable, illogical and self-centered.
Love them anyway.
* If you do good, people will accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Do good anyway.
* If you are successful, you will win false friends and true enemies.
Succeed anyway.
* The good you do today will be forgotten tomorrow.
Do good anyway.
* Honesty and frankness make you vulnerable.
Be honest and frank anyway.
* The biggest person with the biggest ideas can be shot down by the smallest person with the smallest mind.
Think big anyway.
* People favor underdogs, but follow only top dogs.
Fight for a few underdogs anyway.
* What you spend years building may be destroyed overnight.
Build anyway.
* People really need help but may attack if you help them.
Help people anyway.
* Give the world the best you have and you might get kicked in the teeth.
Give the world the best you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis,
it is between you and God;
It was never between you and them anyway.

--- Kent M. Keith (with additions by Mother Teresa)

{{{Big Hug}}} - Amy

Anonymous said...

Great post! Very Inspiring!
~Rebecca (A Ladyblog)

Ruth said...

Ohilda, keep on keeping on!! You are an inspiration to sooo many and what you are saying here is sooo important! I love the comment above from AMY - keep on doing it anyway!!

Sherri said...

I agree with your husband, Ohilda. Obviously, you exposing the TRUTH is upsetting to this person. TRUTH has a tendency to do that....

I have never seen anything hateful in anything you have written. The only thing that is hateful on your blog is the words that have been written by "anonymous" and "Robin" (who uses a "name" but not a way to correspond back, so she's still anonymous).

As always, go back to the Bible for what is TRUE.

For YOU created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful I know that full well.” Psalm 139: 13-14

Blessings to you, Ohilda. And "Robin", I'm praying for you to see the truth.

Sherri

Patricia said...

Powerful, articulate & inspiring post, Ohilda. I echo "Amy's" "verses to live by"...wonderful!

Aus said...

Dang - I'm gonna have to sacrifice sleep to stay current with you lady!

First of all - I hope that you are feeling better - take care of yourself!

Second - you just keep being a witness to the Faith - the rest will take care of itself!

Lastly - something my bride taught me - the oppisite of love is not hate - it is pure and complete indifference. Hate can be a good thing when it is properly used to motivate and empower (It's safe to say that I HATE child predators and sometimes that keeps me at work longer than it should - but it certainly empowers me to keep going when I need to!) Indifference however - that's one to be careful about!

Just keep on keepin on!

hugs - aus and co.

Veronica @ Luv My Quiver Full Of Arrows said...

Ohilda, you are such a sweet part of my day. So smart, so faithful to do the Lord's work. Thank you for your inspiration and for not faltering to share the sad reality of abortion.

God bless you and remind you that yes, he will bless you even when others persecute you, Sister.

xoxo, Veronica in CA

ASHLEY said...

I LOVE YOUR BLOG AND I STAND BY YOU. I AGREE WHOLE HEARTEDLY WITH YOU. TRUTH HURTS AND PEOPLE DON'T LIKE TO HEAR IT. PLEASE DON'T LET THIS BOTHER YOU ANYMORE. YOU ARE A WONDERFUL PERSON. KEEP ON STANDING UP FOR WHAT IS RIGHT!!!

He & Me + 3 said...

I would take a comment like that to heart too, but you handled this situation so well. Beautiful post and very well said. We know what is right & to bring the bad things into the light is what we are supposed to do...good for you and keep standing strong...
Blessings,
Mimi

waiting4Isabella said...

Be joyful in time of a persecution from people of this world. 1 peter 4:12-19 tells us "happy are you if you are insulted because you are christ followers; this means that the glorious spirit, the spirit of God, is resting on you. The time has come for judgement to begin and God's own people are the first to be judged". And praise God for that.

Have a blessed and a spirit filled day. Love you sister.

The Byrd's Nest said...

I have to say that I have never thought of you as hating anyone. You, and actually you are the only real person I know that does this, reach out to unwed mothers constantly. This IS your ministry...this IS what God has chosen for you Ohilda and you do it well with a heart like Jesus.

Love you sweet girl.

day by day said...

Oh, my! Catching up here, Ohilda....I just took a few moments to think about all of the posts you have written on abortion. I can honestly say that I do not/have not ever felt ANY hate coming from you towards anyone! You...like so many of us...hate abortion. Period. You are trying to reach out and educate and to stop the unnecessary deaths of so many innocent children.

YOU ARE THEIR VOICE!!!

I, like another poster, once had my own opinions about subjects such as abortion. (I) would never have one, but thought that sometimes...it was warranted. It wasn't until I accepted Jesus in my heart, that I had a completely different view on many things...abortion at the top of the list!

It is murder. I do not ever feel hate towards anyone who has an abortion or performs one...instead I feel a great sorrow. It is never my place to judge, but it is my responsibility as a Christian...to share His word. We will all stand in front of our Creator one day and we will all have to answer to what choices we have made in our lives.

If I go back 20 years younger when I had the belief that sometimes abortion can be justified and I place myself in front of your blog reading your posts....you would have completely changed my beliefs. Sometimes people just need someone to point out to them...this is a child...not a choice. This is God's wonderful creation. I have always believed in God, but did not, at one point in my life, really view an unborn child as one of God's children and did not think of abortion as murder..

After I accepted Jesus and my faith walk began, my heart changed. Do I think I am any better than anyone because of this? Never. It just means I can see the truth..His truth...where I could not before.

Had I ever been faced with the decision to abort when I had my earlier beliefs...and I read your blog....I would never have gone forward with an abortion. Sometimes, people just need someone to share the Truth with them. I KNOW this is what you are trying to do, Ohilda!!!

Ohilda, you walk the walk with such love for God and for others...do not ever let others make you second guess yourself. I know that there have been a few of your readers who had their hearts changed about abortion because of reading your posts. You-know-who also knows this and wherever there are Good things going on in His glory, Satan lurks. But that's okay...let him take his best shots....You, my friend, have God on your side.

Do not falter my friend.....keep on being their voice...they are counting on you and so many others with such a loving heart.

I love you, my friend!!!!!!

Terynn said...

Hey!!

Where the heybillies is my post from midnight last night?

Hmmm...I may have to re-respond.

Terynn said...

::gasP:: Did I write something that didn't pass moderation? ugh It was late...can't recall the details? yikes. If I offended, please let me know. Hmmmm...this is a part of aging that I don't care for! lol

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

I love it that you stay awake at night and THINK and PRAY about these things...I will NEVER understand the mind of a pro-choice person...NEVER...I don't want to... Your VOCAL stand on abortion honors GOD and LIFE and I value you so very much Ohilda. You have such clarity in thought! God uses you!
Thank you dear one...you are a blessing to ME!
HUGS!
J

Ohilda said...

Terryn,

You are so silly! Your comment was posted under the PUNISHMENT post.

Hugs,

O.

Becky said...

I for one can testify that hate is not one of Ohilda's many qualities. She is understanding, loving, forgiving, inspiring, trusting, wonderful, and so much more, but certainly not hateful. I have never met Ohilda, but I feel like I have known her forever, and am blessed to have been lead to her blog.
Much love,
Becky

Kristy said...

Hi there, I finally got to your blog and I have to say that it is awesome!!! We have ALOT in common and I can't wait to start learning more about you and your beautiful family. Thank you for visiting our blog the other day. Happy Valentines Day!! Talk to you soon.

Love and blessings, Kristy

Susan said...

Ohilda, my husband came across a site that was devoted to stories of women that have experienced the heartache of abortion. I've got to see if he can find the link and I'll send it to you if he does.. What struck me was when he relayed the story of a 22 yr. old woman who got pregnant and went to an abortion clinic. When she called to make the appt. she was 4 wks. along. She was told by the clinic nurse over the phone that it was simply like a "blood clot" at 4 wks. "Nothing to it" the nurse said.

The woman approached the clinic and saw a series of posters held by pro- life volunteers. One of them was what her baby looked like at 4 weeks! It wasn't just a "blood clot" it was an actual human baby growing inside. She began to have serious doubts at that point. She decided that since she was there she would enter the facility and just "talk" to them and explain her concerns.

Once she began to talk, a nurse left the room and returned with a pill and told her to take it and she would feel much better. The young woman reluctantly agreed, and continued to ask questions and then told the nurse she wanted her boyfriend to come in. The nurse said "later" and refused to get the boyfriend. The young woman said she wanted to wait on the "procedure" until she was sure this is what she wanted to do.

By this time, the "pill" was beginning to work and she was lightheaded and slurring her words. The "nurse" kept telling her this was "best" and we need to get it "over with". The young woman began to cry and attempt to fight back with resistance. There was no turning back for the abortion clinic and they proceeded with the abortion despite the womans cry to halt.

The young woman now suffers terrible emotional pain and longs for the child that she lost via abortion. Her story was riveting.

sara said...

Ohilda, I just got done reading the last several posts and I want to encourage you, friend, to keep writing what God lays on your heart!! You are obviously reaching those He wants you to and the enemy does not like it!!! Your blog is such a blessing, I missed it last week!!!

Love you girl!

Anonymous said...

You are the least hateful or mean or disliking or whatever person I've ever come across in the blogosphere. Just because you disagree with someone and agree with God's word doesn't make you hateful. Just remember that YOU WILL be persecuted because HE was persecuted. You can do like I do and call it a high five for Jesus.

Marjorie (Molly) Smith said...

Hi, I just happened to stumble across your blog from another one, and all I can say is, you go girl, I feel like God has blessed me by sending me to your site. I cannot understand for the life of me how anyone could kill a small innocent baby. A child could never be a punishment, but a blessing from God. I am 65 yrs old and a miricle of God, my Mom was told that if she didn't abort me, she and I both might die, her reply, then we will die together. She never regretted giving me life, I was 25 yrs old when she went to Heaven to be with her Lord and I have raised 3 beautiful son, who have 4 beautiful children, that would not be here if she had listened to the Drs.
Thank you for standing up for the unborn.

Keisha said...

LOL!!! That was for just the fact that someone would suggest that YOU HATE.. anything!
Ohilda, Thank you for giving the unborn a Voice that needs to be heard!
And, how nice of you to let anon.. be heard, maybe something that has been said here will sink in with them.
Love you!
HUGS!!!
Keisha

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