Hatred

I have recently had an opportunity to be hated by people who I trusted and hope to be able to call friends. So when I read these quotes by Maya Angelou I was more than intrigued.

She says, A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough!

I have felt that before. I have felt it from others recently BUT (and here is the trouble) I have also felt it in my own heart the last few weeks as a result of others actions.

Maya asks, how do you handle your undercover haters?

Then she offers three wise suggestions. She says you can handle these haters by:

1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are.

2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you.

3. By remembering that what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation. When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, 'Don't look at me...Look at who is in charge of me...'

She also said, When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters... That's why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some folk can't handle seeing you blessed...

From personal experience I know that hate is a kind of poison that hurts those that hold it in their heart. I know that returning hate for hate leads to discouragement and despair. I know that God alone can give us the strength to overcome the feelings of hate we may feel for others. And that it is only with His help we can stand strong in the face of those that hate us. I know that kindness to those that hate us is not always the antidote to solving difficult situations (sometimes it just fuels the fire) but I know that it is always the right answer. I know that peace can be felt in knowing who we are and striving to fulfill our purpose in life no matter what others say or do or feel for us.

For the last few weeks I have been feeling really sorry for myself- for being hated for doing what I believe was the right thing. I have been angry and bitter and ironically full of hate for my haters. I am grateful for the words of Maya Angelou and my knowledge of the gospel- both have helped to restore peace and perspective in my life.