Shan

Lord, I pray that You will go before Mark and help him pick out the perfect vehicle. I also pray that hidden things will be bought to light if there is anything wrong with the car or any trickery on the salesman's end. I pray that he be dealt with favorably and that he will get above and beyond what he's ever asked or imagined!

Yes, Connie. I know what you mean. I am a helper by nature and it is hard to walk away. I'm sure it's even more difficult with family. Shan

Yes Mia, you are so right! Thanks for the reminder. It is very difficult for me to cut people out of my life because I tend to feel guilty even though I've done the right thing. Shan

Hi Angelwings, I think you are absolutely right in keeping your distance. Your kids would probably rather have few family memories than bad family memories. I am going through a similar situation. I have a friend that has been having an affair with a married man for four years. I listen to her tell him she loves him over the phone and talk badly about his wife. I have lovingly told her that this is wrong MANY, MANY times. She has also heard this from other people. She claims to be a Christian but there is absolutley no fruit. When I have gotten strongly vocal lately, she tells me I don't know the whole story and she justifies the affair. Recently, I cut her out of my life because there have been many times as well when I have said nothing because I don't like confrontation. But if I am shut down when I do say something to her, I can't have her in my life. To say nothing to her is to condone her behavior. If she is repentant however, I would gladly welcome her back as my friend. But for now, I just can't do it. So, I do not think you are wrong in your stance either. Hope this helps

Hi Freeprincess, I want to echo what everyone else has said here. First of all, I'm so sorry you have been treated like this. There really is no excuse to treat someone this way, especially if they already know you struggle with rejection. However, if you truly do suffer from this issue, could you be hanging around in hopes of getting their approval? I also want to address another possibility. Satan knows our shortcomings because we talk about them. He says things like, "See, even here you are rejected and by those who are closer to God. If they say you are not adequate enough to participate in their group, you must not be." It also creates a possibility that the person forgets about church too because it has brought about more pain. Satan is a liar, a thief and a destroyer and he would love nothing more than to keep you in a pit. But you have authority over all his power! You have to recognize the lie and call Satan on it. When I start to feel inadequate and rejected (I have struggled with it personally and have been very depressed at times) I like to quote 2 Corinthians 10:5 "I cast down that imagination and every high thing that exhalts itself against the knowledge of God and bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ." I hope this helps. Be encouraged! Shan