Sunday, May 16, 2010

Worth Fighting For

A couple of weeks ago I had an encounter with a very bitter person. The details of the story are relatively insignificant, but the bottom line is that a few parents from my school parked in front of her home during a school event--and that was very upsetting to her. Upsetting enough that she called the police to complain and stood in her driveway and yelled at each of us as we got back into our cars. 

After I got over the shock of having been yelled at, I found myself saddened by this woman's plight. She had so much passion and negative energy over people parking on the street near her home. Her home was far enough away from the street our cars were not even visible unless she drove down the drive. On the surface, it did not make any sense. This caused me to wonder what deeper pain was driving this anger? What if she channelled all that energy and anger towards something worth fighting for?

How often am I guilty of the same--spinning my wheels on things that are insignificant while settling for mediocrity on things that really matter?

I have been thinking a lot about marriage lately. Why is it that we don't fight harder? People seem to fight plenty, but it is generally against each other instead of for each other. Why do we give in so easily?

 "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes." Nehemiah 4:14b

Who/what are you fighting? There are things worth fighting for...and when I think through my list, people dominate. What would life look life if instead of fighting against people we fought for them--for their hearts and their souls

I know it is not always convenient--and it is seldom easy. The payoff, though, is priceless. 

8 comments:

Pam said...

Such a good reminder. A verse worth remembering too. Thank you!

MtnGirl said...

Maybe you need to go back and have a talk with this woman, maybe apologize and see if you can help her with what she is angry about - maybe her husband dumped her, maybe she is just hurting inside.......Is this woman worth fighting for?

Jennifer said...

MG- She is...been thinking about her a lot. Trying to figure out an approach.

MtnGirl said...

JMom, the only reason I encourage you to go talk to her is from my own experience! I have read your blog for awhile now and now that you have heart for hurting/needy people. I so wish someone would reach out (to me) but the pious "Christians" that I know would rather live their churched lives and look down on others. (This includes my own father!) I'll pray that YOU are God's solution (at least the beginning to healing) to this woman's hurt.

Arlene G said...

Very thought provoking Jmom! I have often felt that people who rant and rage are very often hurting people. I hope that you can reach out to this needy person.

Unknown said...

As I read your post, I was reminded of a part of Beth Moore's Esther study that I am doing...Meanness has a history! Sounds like this lady has something going on in her life much more than just being upset about cars on her driveway! I totally agree with you that Christian need to examine our hearts and lives about what we are fighting for...SOULS are most important. Didn't God fight for us and does so daily! We most certainly need to be fighting for Him and through Him to reach this world for His kingdom glory! I will pray for you and this lady for coincidences are just the hand of God....

Sarah said...

So great to read your stories and see how you turn a rather unpleasant, insignificant occasion into a thought provoking, maybe even action required lesson for us all! Thanks for sharing!

ocean mommy said...

Thank you SO much for this! You have no idea just how timely this is in our extended family right now. The Lord used your words and your experience to minister to me! Thank you!

Blessings,
stephanie