"She was his current mentor in a short list of mentors he's had in his life at the time and was a known Prophet in the church...a "seer" if you will. She had moved into the apartment right above him and after befriending her daughter that had a deliverance ministry of her own...he would develop a relationship with the family that came with an open door policy. Since then...he was never the same. You see, there was no lie that could get past her. She could tell you what you had for breakfast and what you were thinking as you ate but the difference between what she was shown and what the so-called psychic attempted to see was purpose. All was to glorify God as opposed to herself. She ministered to well known names in ministry around the world and here he was...a neighbor. A neighbor that became a son and a son that would soon become a brother. He'd study with her almost on a daily basis and came to find they would both learn from each other as the years progressed. She became dear to him...a spiritual mother.
One day, as he approached her door, another one of her students met him in the hallway to warn him that she was not herself. That a "spirit of lunacy" was attacking her mind. He went in anyway and saw something he had never seen in all the years they were together...his mentor in her most vulnerable state. At first he was a bit jarred by what he saw but he continued sitting there in fellowship seemingly unbothered. He left that night and cried in prayer. Within seconds into prayer, a lesson was drawn out before him. An epiphany came over him that would change how he viewed humanity...SHE was human. He came to accept that no matter how strong or wise we could ever become...we would always be susceptible to something. In her case, her greatest power, if left unkempt, could become her greatest vulnerability...the ability to "see". The next day, he went upstairs as he normally would and sat with her ready to study. She, in the most humblest of tones...asked him for forgiveness and he just looked at her, held her and said "for what?". She looked at him in shock and began to explain what led to the attack. Before he left that night, she told him that even though he was so young at 16...his understanding spirit was that of a man of years. "Never change" she said...and he's done his best to hold to that ever since..."
My beautiful people, I have seen many in my life fail and have witnessed the devastation of the strong seen vulnerable. Like men and women caught naked in an impromptu failure. They ALL felt not just the guilt of failure but the weight of letting those down that looked up to them. When you know that these giants, that have been teachers, mentors, good parents and friends have fallen, it is not our job to finish the job. It is our job to stay our self-righteous judgment and lift them up as they, in many times past have done for us. A few hiccups does not negate who they were and they require the most grace...as they have shown us the same. As a man, I've had my fair share of disappointments and I, as a man have been judgmental and biting (sometimes inwardly but seldom outwardly) but to a tee, I have done my best to repent and bounce back to show them love. You see I've learned a few things in my time on earth and one of the most important lessons is that to judge another...is to judge yourself the same. It is the understanding that these things can happen to anyone...including yourself, that fortifies this virtue. Not one of us is exempt from failure. Not one of us...no matter how wise or strong is shielded from our own human frailty. I can be upset on a thing all I want as is my right but when you know someone's heart has proven true and pure over time...show them grace. Pick them up and stiffen their backs to continue to be the giants you know they are...or are meant to become. Just as the judgment you show will be shown to you someday...so shall it be with grace...
Why this? Because I know you and your heart...and I will always do my best to never kick you when you're down. I will do my best to stay until you are healed of your wounds even if it is at my expense. Never be afraid I will cast you away. Is it because I am so great? No...I'd just like to believe I'd receive the same in return when needed. Besides, when love is in the mix...this should be the standard. None of us will ever be perfect in each others eyes but we choose who to love and/or befriend based on the weight of what we find acceptable or "good". Does it outweigh the bad? Is it by miles? Then yeah...these are my people..."gold". I know this conflicts with the entitlement lists of "approved/denied" that are out there but my word to you is this: have your lists if you must but if you've taken the time to weigh their heart and found it gold, see to it that it has enough weight to negate a few items off the "denied" column. I recently read the letter of a man that was conflicted because he met a wonderful woman he was really beginning to like. His issue? She farted every time she peed. He needs a backhanded slap. My people...don't be that man in any variation.
So you that are strong that have failed...take my hand and get up. You have one that still believes in you. Become the giant you were meant to be. Forgive yourself and keep moving forward and upward...I still only see "you". If there was ever a word I could leave you with is would be this. Love...live...love my beautiful people...I'm out.
~moses apollo
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