Blog

What Would Jesus Do?
Friday, November 10, 2023 by Cindy Sproles

Sometimes, you just have to shrug your shoulders and say, “Go figure.” I have no explanation for what has come to pass.

It’s funny how people are. Our greatest intentions can be misunderstood. I suppose that’s why being in continued prayer is important. Every day, I am learning more and more to ask the question, “What would Jesus Do?” Sometimes, I got no clue.

This week, a friend from high school, actually elementary school, sent me a scathing email. I can count the times on one hand in the 47 years we have been out of high school that I have even spoken to her. Inseparable in elementary school turned into nothing in common in high school. We ran in different circles, and I, being the chicken I was, chose not to participate in many of the side activities my childhood friends trampled through. I faded into the background while they became the sought-after kids. Fearless in many ways, but treading paths that, once the glory was gone, left many of them reeling.

I went my way. I made new friends and made my share of mistakes – some of them very harsh, but I could look back on my worst of days and say, “Wow, at least I didn’t do…” Wasn’t that cocky of me? God, in that moment, corrected me and reminded me that though I’d not done some of the things my high school friends had, I was, nonetheless, guilty. And He was right. And so…I learned.

There was little truth in the email this friend sent. Like I said, I’ve probably seen this friend five or six times in 47 years. The incident that was brought to light was a luncheon I held for some of these gals. There was no ill feelings. No underlying ulterior motive, nothing more than trying to rekindle old ties in a new season. Yet, here I find myself some six or seven years later, being raked over the coals.

I can’t say that I understood it. Rather, after speaking to another friend who’d attended, I felt better to know that the things I was accused of were not present. I took this friend’s wisdom to heart. “I’ve learned that the best way to address things like this is with truth. Address it in truth and then let it go.”

What wisdom. Instead of returning an equally scathing email and defending the day, I offered an apology if I’d unintentionally misled or hurt her. Then I, in one line, clarified the truth. As I read the reply, I asked myself, what would Jesus do? How many times had He faced opposition about things that weren’t true or that were blown out of proportion? My guess is that Jesus lost count. Still, at every turn, He replied with truth and in love.

People are funny creatures. We’re the only species in the world that, in our own misgivings, seek to find ways to blame others. It’s never our own undoing, and even more so, we flip a scripture up to justify the means to our end. We carry every hurt to the grave, and even when we say we’ve forgiven the offender, we get in that one last jab that makes us feel good but grieves the Holy Spirit.

And…what would Jesus do? I imagine He’d cry. Perhaps He’d wonder if His efforts, His methods, and His sacrifice were enough. At the least, I think He’d shake His head and shrug.

I offered an apology. Asked for forgiveness and clarified with truth. There was no tit for tat. No back and forth. No, “My hurts are worse than yours.” A simple apology, asking for forgiveness, and then letting it go.

My biggest apology came on my knees when I asked the Father for forgiveness. If I had indeed hurt this age-old friend, then I laid before Him all I remembered and asked that if I remembered wrong, would

He still find forgiveness? What more can I do?  

As I grow older, I’ve done my best to put the childhood silliness behind me. I know I am far from perfect. Actually, I’m way closer to imperfect, and it seems the harder I scratch to get away from that, the further I fall.

You are dear to me. You know who I am even if we’ve never met face to face. You see through my writing, through my personal trials, the imperfect person that I am. But hopefully, you also see the one who stands with her arms stretched upward, asking for the Father to pick me up and hold me. I can’t say that vulnerability says much, but transparency, I think, does.

Today, take time to look openly at your relationships. Understand that none of us can do everything right, but all of us have a direct line to forgiveness. If someone has hurt you in the past, address it in truth and love, forgive, and let it go. Then I think you’ve earned your bracelet – WWJD!

 

Photo 1 courtesy of www.picaby.com and Clker-Free-Vector-Images / Photo 2 courtesy of www.pickaby.com and CCXpistiavos /  Photo 3 no ownership was listed

Share This Blog:


Comments

Amy Polk From At 11/14/2023 2:55:15 PM

Hurting people hurt people. There's a wound. There's a lie. But our prayers are heard! We can pray for them. We can choose to forgive. Father God is so very awesome!

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Indeed.

Beth Blamick From Florida At 11/11/2023 6:27:12 PM

Yes! I, too, have experienced being misunderstood and misjudged actually by an extended family member. This is great advice for such an occasion. I also console myself with the fact that God knows my heart and He is the one I’m living to please. Thank you for a great post.

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

It's hard when It's a family member. Just remember...none of us are perfect...even those who accuse.

Linda Ford From Glade Spring, Va. At 11/11/2023 4:40:31 PM

God Bless You Cindy

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Awww, thanks.

Gail W, Cartee From SC At 11/11/2023 4:33:29 PM

My encounters with you have always been a blessing. You are open; just a mountain girl with whom most of us can find commonality. Just keep being Cindy because Jesus knows your heart and is blessing so many through you.

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Thank you for the encouragement.

Vie Herlocker From Nashville At 11/11/2023 3:04:27 PM

Cindy, your heart and motives are pure and precious. I am sorry you had this experience, but I'm so glad God used it to offer truth and kindness to your friend. I'm praying that she sees and accepts your offering.

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Well, we'll see but I'm guessing I just happened to be in the line of fire. Who knows what this friend is going through.

Janet Renner Loyd From Dayton OH At 11/11/2023 12:10:44 PM

This is so real and vulnerable. I love your response. Incredible wisdom and grace. Much appreciation for who you are and how you give and share. Blessings, dear sister...

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

You warmed my heart.

Cindy Huff From Oklahoma At 11/11/2023 8:04:41 AM

I always appreciate your openness and vulnerability. Getting to know you over the years has been a blessing. Thank you for sharing.

Reply by: Cindy Sproles

Awww, thanks

Mountain Breeze Writer


Previous Posts

Never Look Back
Cindy Sproles

8/2/2024

Words Have Power
Cindy Sproles

7/12/2024

Those Hallmark Holidays
Cindy Sproles

5/12/2024

Deep and Wide or Sick and Tired?
Cindy Sproles

12/18/2023

What Would Jesus Do?
Cindy Sproles

11/10/2023

Chick, Chick, Chick
Cindy K. Sproles

9/30/2023

In My Inperfections
Cindy K. Sproles

8/27/2023

By the Hair of my Chinny, Chin, Chin
Cindy Sproles

7/21/2023

What Dumb Cluck!
Cindy K. Sproles

6/29/2023

Where to Draw the Line?
Cindy Sproles

4/27/2023

Submit! ME?
Cindy Sproles

4/14/2023

Why Are People So Mean?
Cindy Sproles

3/30/2023

I'm Getting Old
Cindy K. Sproles

3/3/2023

To Hear or Not to Hear
Cindy Sproles

1/28/2023

Happy New Year, Happy New Year News
Cindy Sproles

1/9/2023

Happy Neuter Year
Cindy Sproles

12/31/2022

Facing Reality - Aging Parents, Aging Children
Cindy Sproles

12/30/2022

Word of the Year for 2023
Cindy Sproles

12/24/2022

My Grown Up Christmas List - Three Things to Adulting the Right Way
Cindy Sproles

12/13/2022

Weebles Wobble but They Don't Fall Down
Cindy Sproles

12/6/2022

The Man In the Middle
Cindy Sproles

11/24/2022

Diversity is More Than Color
Cindy K. Sproles

11/14/2022

Love in Motion
Cindy Sproles

11/7/2022

Deadbeat or Deadline
Cindy Sproles

10/31/2022

Backstory - The Reader Doesn't Care!
Cindy Sproles

10/18/2022

The Color of Scared - The Final in Seeking Spiritual Renewal
Cindy Sproles

10/14/2022

The Color of Scared - Second of Three in Seeking Spiritual Freedom from Fear
Cindy Sproles

10/9/2022

The Color of Scared - First of Three in Seeking Spiritual Freedom from Fear
Cindy Sproles

10/3/2022

Fog, Mist, Morning
Cindy Sproles

9/29/2022

From a Rooster to a Hen
Cindy Sproles

9/24/2022

Writing from the Hip
Cindy Sproles

9/19/2022

Soggy Scrubby and the Long Goodbye
Cindy Sproles

9/13/2022

Wramping Up for ACWC
Cindy Sproles

9/10/2022

Rest Not, Want MORE!
Cindy Sproles

9/3/2022

Reality for Me
Cindy Sproles

8/17/2022

The Truth in Publishing
Cindy Sproles

8/11/2022

Beyond
Cindy Sproles

8/4/2022

Working with an Editor
Cindy Sproles

7/7/2022

Two on the Way
Cindy Sproles

2/26/2022

The Party's Overrrrr!
Cindy Sproles

2/22/2022

2022 Encouragement for the Writer
Cindy Sproles

1/4/2022

Every Day is New
Cindy Sproles

1/1/2022

Beginning Anew (An Eldercare Note)
Cindy Sproles

12/31/2021

Five Ways to Kill Your Publishing Opportunity
Cindy Sproles

12/30/2021

A Dollar Wisely Spent
Cindy Sproles

12/28/2021

Silent Night
Cindy Sproles

12/25/2021

Back Pocket Projects
Cindy Sproles

12/21/2021

Things are Back on Track - I think!
Cindy Sproles

12/18/2021

Wonky is Hard
Cindy Sproles

4/25/2021

Present Yourself Approved and Professional
Cindy Sproles

1/28/2021

Integrity - An Authors Valued Trait
Cindy Sproles

1/8/2021

Homonyms – Did You Sea/See Them Their/There?
Cindy Sproles

1/8/2021

Writer Self-Care - Welcome 2021
Cindy Sproles

1/4/2021

Hope in a New Year
Cindy Sproles

1/1/2021

One More Christmas Thought - Taken from ChristianDevotions.US blog
Cindy Sproles

12/25/2020

A Christmas Saga - Joy in the Season
Cindy Sproles

12/24/2020

When Writing Grows Hard
Cindy Sproles

12/22/2020

Permission to Quit - No Way
Cindy Sproles

12/18/2020

The Power of the Pen
Cindy Sproles

12/15/2020

The Good, The Bad, and the Memoir
Cindy Sproles

12/11/2020

The Immeasurable Power in You
Cindy Sproles

12/8/2020

Scratch It Till It Bleeds
Cindy Sproles

12/5/2020

Closing Up Shop - Renting or Selling Our Parent's Home
Cindy Sproles

9/5/2020

Humility in Writing
Cindy Sproles

7/7/2020

Let it Percolate
Cindy Sproles

7/3/2020

Mentoring - A Wise Choice
Cindy Sproles

6/29/2020

Divorce My Words?
Cindy Sproles

6/23/2020

Icy Self-Talk Will Freeze Your Writing
Cindy Sproles

6/19/2020

The Power in You
Cindy Sproles

6/16/2020

Waiting
Cindy Sproles

6/12/2020

Who Really Sells Your Books
Cindy Sproles

6/9/2020

Social Media When You Aren't Social Media Minded
Cindy Sproles

4/20/2020

What Really Is Important
Cindy Sproles

4/12/2020

In the Midst of Chaos
Cindy Sproles

3/17/2020

The Heart of God
Cindy Sproles

2/14/2020

Writing in a Pickle
Cindy Sproles

1/30/2020

The Adult Day Care Alternative
Cindy Sproles

1/23/2020

Social Media Blitz
Cindy Sproles

1/19/2020

The Joys of Aging
Cindy Sproles

12/30/2019

The Reality of Who We Are?
Cindy Sproles

12/22/2019

Publishing Trends
Cindy Sproles

11/30/2019

Be Thankful ANYWAY
Cindy Sproles

11/28/2019

Writing Your Mission Statement
Cindy Sproles

11/19/2019

Perseverance to Write
Cindy

11/16/2019

Common Sense Tips for When You Write
Cindy Sproles

11/9/2019

The Battle is Fought
Cindy

10/15/2019

Twelve Tidbits of Wisdom from Top Christian Writers
Cindy Sproles

10/5/2019

Pray with Fire
Cindy Sproles

10/3/2019

The Easy In
Cindy Sproles

9/24/2019

The Art of Self-Editing
Cindy Sproles

9/10/2019

Questions, Questions
Cindy Sproles

9/6/2019

15-Minute Appointments - Important Networking
Cindy Sproles

9/3/2019

Don't Close Your Eyes - Bob Hostetler
Cindy Sproles

2/5/2019

Love Your Faculty
Cindy Sproles

10/17/2018

Forging Ahead after Rejection
Cindy Sproles

7/17/2018

cindysproles.com Privacy Policy
Cindy Sproles

6/4/2018

Closing Up Shop - Guiding Seniors to Letting Go
Cindy Sproles

4/9/2018

Publishing Naysayers
Cindy Sproles

3/16/2018

In Prayer - I Write
Cindy Sproles

3/3/2018

Keep Them Reading
Cindy Sproles

1/12/2018

Encouraged - Even When . . .
Cindy Sproles

1/2/2018

Christmas Tears
Cindy Sproles

12/18/2017

Holiday Elder Care - Be an Elder Elf
Cindy Sproles

11/12/2017

Grateful for a Dream I Didn't Know I Had
Cindy Sproles

11/9/2017

Keep Them Reading
Cindy Sproles

11/1/2017

Chicken Soup for the Soul - Writer Call Out
Cindy Sproles

10/27/2017

Five Ways to Assure Your Work will Find the Slush Pile
Cindy Sproles

10/24/2017

23rd Psalm Revisited
Cindy Sproles

10/21/2017

Contentment in Writing
Cindy Sproles

10/19/2017

5 Common Sense Tips to Better Writing
Cindy Sproles

10/10/2017

Overshadowed
Cindy Sproles

8/21/2017

Chicken Soup for the Soul Callout - Stories about Love
Cindy Sproles

8/21/2017

Five Keys to Overcoming Rejection
Cindy Sproles

8/12/2017

Writing Call Out - Chicken Soup for the Soul
Cindy Sproles

8/10/2017

When Words of Encouragement Wane
Cindy Sproles

6/28/2017

Writing Truth with Love
Cindy Sproles

1/13/2017

Oh To Be A Writer
Cindy Sproles

1/4/2017

Why Write?
Cindy Sproles

1/1/2017

Scammed
Cindy Sproles

6/21/2016

The Pain of Unsolicited
Cindy Sproles

3/9/2016

Not Alone: A Literary and Spiritual Companion for Those Confronted with Infertility and Miscarriage
Cindy Sproles

11/21/2015

Thankful Despite . . .
Cindy Sproles

11/20/2015

Stepping Up to Na-No-Wri-Mo
Cindy Sproles

11/16/2015

The Gift of No Gifts
Cindy Sproles

11/2/2015

Writers Be Encouraged
Cindy Sproles

10/15/2015

Keep ‘Em Reading – It’s the Writer’s Responsibility
Cindy Sproles

8/13/2015

Saying Goodbye
Cindy Sproles

7/17/2015

Overcoming the Fear of Writing Failure
Cindy Sproles

7/8/2015

Making the Move – Home to Assisted Living
Cindy Sproles

6/17/2015

I Kid You Not
Cindy Sproles

6/6/2015

Hearing the Call to Foster – Renee McCausey
Cindy Sproles

1/13/2015

Throw Out the Crutches
Cindy Sproles

1/10/2015

So You Were Asked to Be A Beta Reader?
Cindy Sproles

1/10/2015

REJECTIONS – Aaughhh!
Cindy Sproles

1/5/2015

The Bachelor – Stephanie Reed
Cindy Sproles

12/14/2014

The Making of a Servant
Cindy Sproles

11/30/2014

Miracle in a Dry Season Review – Yvonne Lehman
Cindy Sproles

8/27/2014

Write Anyway
Cindy Sproles

8/26/2014

World Blog Tour – Catching Up with Cindy Sproles
Cindy Sproles

7/22/2014

The Progression of Life
Cindy Sproles

7/17/2014

Instrumental Writing Helps – Aaron Gansky
Cindy Sproles

7/4/2014

The Question Saga
Cindy Sproles

6/29/2014

Defy the Night – REVIEW
Cindy Sproles

4/28/2014

When the Work is Hard to Do
Cindy Sproles

4/1/2014

My Heart Belongs to Him
Cindy Sproles

2/14/2014

Review of The Vicar’s Wife
Cindy Sproles

2/2/2014

The In on Self Publishing – Part 2
Cindy Sproles

12/29/2013

The In on Self Publishing – Part 1
Cindy Sproles

12/26/2013

In a Pickle
Cindy Sproles

10/1/2013

Bigger and Better
Cindy Sproles

9/27/2013

Putting SOCIAL back in Media
Cindy Sproles

8/10/2013

After the Conference Ends…
Cindy Sproles

8/8/2013

Here a Tweak, There a Tweak, Everywhere a Tweak, Tweak
Cindy Sproles

8/2/2013

Can You Hear Me Now?
Cindy Sproles

7/23/2013

Golden Years, Cherished Moments
Cindy Sproles

3/20/2013

Broken Heart Syndrome
Cindy Sproles

9/26/2012

What About Our Elders
Cindy Sproles

8/24/2012

A Minute – A Lifetime
Cindy Sproles

8/10/2012

Water, Water – Who’s Got the Water
Cindy Sproles

7/31/2012