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.