It took decades for the real me to expose myself fully.  Not even understanding that the real me was in disguise.  I felt like I lived by the “Golden Rule” and genuinely attempted to do the right thing under all conditions.  There were times I was wrong or off path, quickly adjusting to get back on track.  I was a good person trying to live life with compassion.

That life was interrupted and turned upside down.  For most of my life, I was a leader.  Someone who took charge when necessary but stayed in the periphery by nature.  My predictable life changed course when I began to understand living in peace.  As I became more prayerful, thankful, grateful, and forgiving life became more meaningful.  

Having compassion for people is beautiful, but there is more.  When one opens their heart to loving equally, all things, inner peace is abundant.  I started to understand the magnitude of loving others.    

Jesus slowly uncovered his plan for me.  As I walked my intended path peace was abundant.  When I chose the wrong path stress and anxiety took over.  I started to work on ego, pride, anger, idols, judgment, and forgiveness.   

Through prayer, I asked Jesus to unveil all that I needed to change and all the things for which I needed to be forgiven.  Over time I began to see my shortcomings.  Throughout the day I would become aware of things, past or present, that I should have handled differently.  The list was long, but Jesus is forgiving!

In order to find peace I had to control my ego, pride, anger, idols, and judgement.  None of those things can exist with true faith.  I had to be able to ask for and offer forgiveness. 

Forgiveness is a major part of our faith.  On the cross, Jesus was asking for forgiveness from those who put him there.  He was not feeling sorry for himself he was asking forgiveness for all.  

This week the Daily Audio Bible was discussing all the things we purchase to enable us to be the best version of ourselves.  Summing up their words, the best version of “US” is free, we simply need to surrender to Jesus.  Will the real me please stand up?

Click here to stay connected.