Little Iraqi Girl’s Three Wishes show The Simplicity of Innocence in Viral Video

Little Iraqi Girl’s Three Wishes show The Simplicity of Innocence in Viral Video
By Michael Ireland, Senior Reporter, ASSIST News Service answritermike@gmail.com 
KURDISTAN, NORTHERN IRAQ (ANS, May 10, 2015) – A video of one little Iraqi girl’s three wishes has gone viral, reaching more than one million people via the Internet.
Ron Andrew, Development Services Administrator, SAT-7 USA (www.sat7usa.org) shares that a few months ago, Mr. Know, a presenter on the popular SAT-7 KIDS program, ‘Why Is That?’ traveled to a refugee camp in Erbil, the largest city and capital of the Kurdistan Region,  to interview children forcibly removed from their homes in Iraq.
According to the article, Mr. Know, or Essam as he is known outside the studio, shared a story about life in a refugee camp in an unfinished shopping mall. He never expected to uncover a gem in the form of a ten-year-old girl, Myriam, who had wishes of her own.
Ron Andrew says: “Myriam holds no hatred in her heart for the people who chased her family from their home. She even forgives those responsible and asks that God chase the evil from their hearts so that life can return to normal. Myriam confided in Mr. Know three wishes: she wanted her message of forgiveness to be shared throughout the region, she hoped to see her best friend again, and she wanted to return to school.”
SAT-7 KIDS shared this powerful message of unmerited forgiveness with its audience. When Myriam’s interview was subtitled in English and shared on the SAT-7 ARABIC Facebook page, it reached over 1 million people in the first 42 hours! Over 200,000 watched the entire video.
Of the many viewers worldwide, one held a special place in Myriam’s heart, a young girl named Sandra. The two were friends and lost touch after fleeing their homes because of ISIS. After the SAT-7 KIDS video aired and Myriam appeared on other media outlets, the two best friends were reunited over Skype on the SAT-7 KIDS program, ‘Let’s Sing Together.’ Sandra had a message for Myriam, “I want to tell her I miss her so much and I want to see her so I can hug her. We want to go back to Iraq but it is not safe yet.” The two girls talked and prayed together and look forward to meeting again.
The third wish, being able to return to school, would be a more difficult task -- but through Jesus, all things are possible. SAT-7 KIDS is launching ‘My School’, a program to make sure refugee children do not fall behind in their education, teaching Arabic, Math and English.
“There are millions of innocent refugee children with wishes just like Myriam,” said Andrew. “They did not ask to be removed from their homes, and they do not hold hate in their hearts. They simply want to return home with their families and friends and live a peaceful life.
“With the help of SAT-7 viewers, God has used SAT-7 to make a few wishes come true, and more importantly, testified of God’s grace, love, and forgiveness in the lives of those who follow him, even little children,” he said.
“Please pray that we can do more for the innocent children still looking to Jesus for peace.” Photo: Myriam and Sandra get connected at Easter time. (Courtesy SAT-7).
About the writer: Michael Ireland is a Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, as well as a volunteer Internet Journalist and Ordained Minister who has served with ASSIST Ministries and ASSIST News Service since its beginning in 1989. He has reported for ANS from Jamaica, Mexico, Nicaragua, Israel, Jordan, China, and Russia. Click http://paper.li/Michael_ASSIST/1410485204 to see a daily digest of Michael's stories for ANS. 
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Java Banten of Indonesia

Java Banten of Indonesia The Banten people grow rice and other crops, such as coffee, cloves, jengkol, and petai. Working the land is done in cooperative groups. One type of cooperative work is royongan. In royongan, workers are not paid directly; rather, wages are collected and stored by a community elder to be used for repair of mosques and smaller prayer houses. Another form of cooperative work is called liliuran, which is helping one another work the rice fields without any expectation of payment. Cooperation of this kind is expected of community members. They are obedient Muslims, but they still have deep involvement in black magic and the occult. Ministry Obstacles The worldview and religion of the Banten people can be traced back many centuries. Much prayer is needed to prepare hearts to receive and believe the good news of Jesus Christ. Outreach Ideas Christian businessmen can work to form business ventures with the people, helping provide employment and training. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray the few followers of Jesus among the Banten tribe will be united in mind and heart, faithfully fellowshipping together. Pray for the entire people group The people need better education facilities as well as joint business ventures with outside companies. Scripture Focus "Now go out to the street corners and invite everyone you see." Matthew 22:9		People Name: Java Banten Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 299,000 World Population: 299,000 Language: Javanese Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Jhalo Malo of Bangladesh

Jhalo Malo of Bangladesh The Jhalo Malo people are mostly employed in activities related to fishing. Many supervise fish trade while some are employed in fisheries and fishing cooperative societies. Some are self-employed, while others are in salaried jobs. Rural development programs have helped them secure loans for fishing. Their literacy rate is low. They have established a caste association for the all-round development of their community. Their family deities are Lakshmi, Bipadtarini, and Itu. Ministry Obstacles There are no known Christian believers in this community. Christian workers will likely have no initial contacts of this nature. Outreach Ideas Much sustained and focused prayer is needed as workers prepare. Many good resources are available in the Bengali language, the primary language of this community. Pray for the followers of Christ Although there are no known Christians in this group (in either Bangladesh or India), please pray for the ones the Lord will soon call to himself. Pray they will know the hope to which they have been called, the riches of His glorious inheritance in the saints. Pray for the entire people group Pray for a substantial improvement in the literacy rate, especially for the young people in the community. Pray for opportunities to attend good schools. Scripture Focus "That they may all be one; even as You, Father, are in Me and I in You, that they also may be in Us, so that the world may believe that You sent Me." John 17:21		People Name: Jhalo Malo Country: Bangladesh 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 278,000 World Population: 712,000 Language: Bengali Primary Religion: Hinduism Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Oromo, Hararghe of Ethiopia

Oromo, Hararghe of Ethiopia The Hararghe Oromo are the descendants of the Barentu confederacy that moved toward the east of the Ganale River during the Oromo migration of the 16th century. They consist of the Ittu, Ania, Ala, Nole, Jarso, and Babile tribes. The Hararghe Oromo are a friendly and hospitable people. They are farmers and they also have livestock. They were able to occupy the land of the Harar uplands where they came in contact with the Somali and the Harar city-state. Many of the Hararghe Oromo were converted to Islam through the influence of the Harar city-state, which also became instrumental in spreading Islam to all other southern parts of Ethiopia. Ministry Obstacles The Hararghe Oromo have been Muslims for hundreds of years. Islam is part of their identity as a people. Outreach Ideas The few believers that are from among the people have left their community to join the Christian communities from other people groups. Pray they would be burdened with the spiritual need of the people they have left behind. Pray for the followers of Christ There is a small but growing body of Christian believers among the Hararghe. Pray they will be given a vision to take the message of Christ to all of their own people. Pray for the entire people group Please pray the Lord will draw increasing numbers of the Hararghe people to himself. Pray for reproducing church planting movements to occur, so that all of the people can hear the way to eternal life. Scripture Focus "Thus it is written, that the Christ would suffer and rise again from the dead the third day, and that repentance for forgiveness of sins would be proclaimed in His name to all the nations." Luke 24:46-47		People Name: Oromo, Hararghe Country: Ethiopia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 5,456,000 World Population: 5,456,000 Language: Oromo, Eastern Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Kanuri, Yerwa, Beriberi of Cameroon

Kanuri, Yerwa, Beriberi of Cameroon The Kanuri are tall and very dark in appearance, with a stately, dignified look. This signifies their pride and appreciation for their past as rulers, as well as their present position of leadership and influence. The divorce rate among the Kanuri is extremely high, with eight out of ten marriages ending in divorce. Polygamy is common. The Kanuri have been Muslims since the eleventh century. Some folk beliefs and traditions are still practiced in conjunction with Islam. Ministry Obstacles Pride is one of the most effective barriers to simple faith in Jesus and his finished work on the cross. Outreach Ideas A number of good Gospel resources exist in the main language of the Kanuri. Workers are needed to take these to the people. Pray for the followers of Christ Pray for the few followers of Jesus among the Kanuri, that they will meet together and study God's story together. Pray for the entire people group Pray the proud Kanuri people will clearly see their need for forgiveness of sin, the complete forgiveness that only faith in Jesus Christ provides. Scripture Focus "But indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord." Numbers 14:21		People Name: Kanuri, Yerwa, Beriberi Country: Cameroon 10/40 Window: No Population: 146,000 World Population: 7,050,000 Language: Kanuri, Central Primary Religion: Islam Bible: New Testament Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

Alak of Laos

Alak of Laos The Alak have retained most of their customs and many women wear traditional dress. In the past, Alak women tattooed their faces, but this custom is now dying out. Alak society is traditionally matriarchal. The women lead the family, keep control of finances, and make all major decisions that affect the community. In times of sickness or calamity, or if a poor crop is produced, the Alak believe they have provoked the spirits and a ceremony is held in order to find the offended deity. A chicken is boiled and a shaman summoned to study the liver patterns and stomach of the chicken. Ministry Obstacles Scripture is not reported as available in the Alak language, but Gospel recordings are available. Outreach Ideas Pray for workers who will pray for the Alak, and who will take Gospel recordings to them and befriend them. Pray for the followers of Christ There may be a tiny number of Christians among the Alak. Pray they will increasingly meet together and encourage one another in Christ. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Alak will have improved medical care available, and will learn improved farming practices. Scripture Focus "I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring my salvation to the ends of the earth." Isaiah 49:6		People Name: Alak Country: Laos 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 4,800 World Population: 4,800 Language: Alak Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: Questionable Need Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Gunmen killed a church pastor and more than 70 other Christians in Plateau state in the past month

Gunmen killed a church pastor and more than 70 other Christians in Plateau state in the past month
By Dan Wooding, Founder of the ASSIST News Service, who was born in Nigeria
PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA (ANS -- May 14, 2015) -- Gunmen have killed a church pastor and more than 70 other Christians in Plateau state, Nigeria, in the past month.
Morning Star News (http://morningstarnews.org ) is reporting that setting fire to church buildings and houses in attacks that continued this week, Fulani Muslim herdsmen on May 2 killed the Rev. Luka Gwom of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in the town of Foron, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area (LGA).
“A member of the slain pastor’s congregation identified only as Paulina was also killed. A Christian community leader in Foron, Ishaku Pam, confirmed the killing of pastor Gwom, whom he said was his pastor, and said Paulina had gotten married in the church two weeks before,” said the Nigeria correspondent.”
Muslim herdsmen also launched attacks on Monday (May 11) in Plateau state’s Riyom LGA, a source told Morning Star News in a text message.
“The jihadists, in their quest to eliminate Christians in Plateau state and their thirst for blood, have succeeded in killing Christians and burning their houses,” wrote Gyang, whose full name is withheld for his protection, on Monday. “They are right now attacking Rim, Bangai, Gwon, Wereng, Ringya and Sopp.”
Those attacks left seven Christians dead, he said on Thursday (May 14).
In the Barkin Ladi LGA, he said a “mass burial” took place in Foron on May 4 for 27 Christians killed on May 2. Another area source confirmed the deaths.
“I was at the burial of the Christians killed in the Foron attack, and we counted 27 corpses,” he told Morning Star News.
In two other attacks in the area that day, 17 Christians were killed in Vat village, and 13 other Christians were slain in Zakupang, sources said. The victims included women and children.
Morning Star News is reporting that Gyang said on May 7 that Fulani Muslims attacked Rim, in Riyom LGA.
“I was at Rim yesterday for a burial when a large number well-armed Fulanis came to attack the village,” he said. “This led to the killing of two of our community members on the farm. You’re aware that we in Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs have been under siege and invasion. Lives have been lost almost every day, and [there is] no serious action from any quarter by the government. But we are still faithful to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
The attacks in Riyom and Barkin Ladi appeared to have no connection with Fulani accusations of cattle-rustling by youths from predominantly Christian tribes in Wase LGA, more than 160 miles away, in the past few weeks. The spokesman for the Special Task Force established to check attacks in Plateau State, however, made vague reference to cattle-rustling as the cause of violence in Barkin Ladi, according to Nigerian news reports.
Gyang said on April 30 that two Christians who were returning from a burial were killed in an ambush in Barkin Ladi the previous day, and “four other Christians have just been killed in Kwi, in the Riyom Local Government Area.”
On April 25, he reported a prior attack, said Morning Star News.
“Fulani Herdsmen have continued with their invasion of Christian communities here,” he said in a text message. “The village of Shonong is under attack. Six Christians have also been killed in Kwi, Torok, and Rim, all in Riyom.”
Five Christians were killed in the attack on Shonong village; one was killed in Torok; two were killed in Kapwen; and two were killed in Rim village, he said.
“Christians in Barkin Ladi and Riyom have faced increasing attacks from Muslim militants and Muslim Fulani herdsmen in the past decade,” the news service went on to say.
“Emmanuel Loman, chairman of the Barkin Ladi Local Government Council, confirmed the killings in Barkin Ladi. He called on the Nigerian government to take urgent security measures to curtail attacks by the herdsmen.
“Muslim herdsmen have long attacked settled Christian farmers in Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa states, but in the past year analysts have begun to see some ties between the assailants and Islamic extremist groups keen to exploit longstanding ethnic, property and religious conflicts.”
Church leaders say attacks on Christian communities by the herdsmen constitute a war “by Islam to eliminate Christianity” in Nigeria. Christians make up 51.3 percent of Nigeria’s population of 158.2 million, while Muslims account for 45 percent and live mainly in the north.
Ethnic Fulani gunmen shouting the jihadist chant “Allahu Akbar” attacked three villages in Nigeria’s Plateau state in September, burning down a church building and killing at least 10 Christians.
Photo captions: 1) Nigerian Christians in mourning after a previous attack by Fulani herdsmen. 2) Fulani herdsmen. 3) Body bags for Christians killed in another attack. 4) Norma and Dan Wooding
About the writer: Dan Wooding, 74, is an award-winning journalist who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents, and is now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he has been married for more than 51 years. They have two sons, Andrew and Peter, and six grandchildren who all live in the UK. Dan is the founder and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS) and he hosts the weekly “Front Page Radio” show on the KWVE Radio Network in Southern California and which is also carried throughout the United States and around the world, and also “His Channel Live,” a TV show beamed to 192 countries. He is the author of some 45 books, the latest of which is a novel about the life of Jesus through the eyes of his beloved mother and called “Mary: My Story from Bethlehem to Calvary”. For more information, please go to http://marythebook.com/ , where you can find details of how to order the book.
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Ansari of Bangladesh

Ansari of Bangladesh The Ansari (an Arabic term) can be traced back to Saudi Arabia, the people originating from the Medinan people who assisted the prophet Muhammed as he migrated from Mecca to Medina. "Our name, 'Ansari,' means 'friend indeed' or 'one who helps'." They are predominately artisans by trade and are mostly poor and illiterate. They are Muslims who practice folk Islam, incorporating many folk beliefs into their observance of the religion. Ministry Obstacles The Ansari are spread over a very large area of South Asia. Several projects will be needed to carry the good news of Christ effectively to all the people. Outreach Ideas The friendliness of the Ansaris can open doors for believers to develop closeness with them and opportunities to share the Gospel. Many Christian resources are available in Bengali, the main language of the people. Pray for the followers of Christ Work has begun in this people group in some areas. Pray it will spread into other areas, including into Bangladesh. Pray for the entire people group Pray for improved levels of literacy among the people, especially needed in this globalized world. Scripture Focus "And those who lead many to righteousness [will shine] like the stars for ever and ever." Daniel 12:3		People Name: Ansari Country: Bangladesh 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 1,229,000 World Population: 15,732,000 Language: Bengali Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Complete Online Audio NT: Yes Jesus Film: Yes Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Mandailing of Indonesia

Mandailing of Indonesia The Mandailing strongly identify themselves with the Islamic religion. This is a distinct departure from other Batak people groups which are predominantly Christian. The Mandailing constantly have to explain the fact that they are Muslims, since most Indonesians believe that all Batak peoples are Christian. The Mandailing people's religion in ancient times was a mixture of Hindu beliefs and a local traditional religion called Parmalin. Almost all Mandailing have been Muslims ever since Minangkabau Muslims forcibly introduced Islam. Many of their traditions have been adapted to Islam. Children and land are viewed as sources of personal pride by the Mandailing that cause one to receive status and respect. Ministry Obstacles No scripture or other Christian resources are reported in the language of these people. And, they live in a strongly Muslim environment. Outreach Ideas Please pray for prayer warriors to be raised up to pray for the Mandailing people, and pray these warriors will persist in prayer until real breakthroughs occur. Pray for the followers of Christ Please pray for the few followers of Christ among the Mandiling, that they will not succumb to pressure to renounce their faith. Pray they will fellowship together, encouraging and instructing each other. Pray for the entire people group The area is rich in natural resources such as zinc, sulfur, limestone, granite, gold, copper, tin, petroleum, and kaolin. There is tremendous potential that should be developed, but investment is needed in order for this to happen. Scripture Focus "Now it will come about that In the last days, The mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains, And will be raised above the hills; And all the nations will stream to it." Isaiah 2:2		People Name: Mandailing Country: Indonesia 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 1,389,000 World Population: 1,389,000 Language: Batak Mandailing Primary Religion: Islam Bible: Questionable Need Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.1

Assyrian Girl Kidnaped in Baghdad Released

 
Assyrian Girl Kidnaped in Baghdad Released

 

By Jeremy Reynalds, Senior Correspondent, ASSIST News Service (jeremyreynalds@gmail.com)  

 

BAGHDAD, IRAQ (ANS -- May 16, 2015) -- Juliana George, a 16 year-old Assyrian girl who was kidnaped from her home in Baghdad last week, has been released after the payment of a $55,000 ransom. 

 

The Assyrian International News Agency (AINA) reported that according to her father, George, Juliana was badly frightened by the experience but was not apparently mistreated.

 

“I fear for her and my two other daughters,” said George in a telephone interview. “There is no reason to believe that we will not be targeted again. I don't see how we can stay in Baghdad after this.”

 

AINA said Juliana was abducted by four men when she answered the door bell at her home. She was grabbed and placed into a taxi. 

 

Her grandfather Joseph, a priest, chased the taxi on foot and grabbed on to the door, but as the taxi sped away he could not hold on and fell to the side. 

 

A man riding a bicycle witnessed the incident and followed the taxi. He recorded the license plate of the car and returned and gave it to Father Joseph.

 

The taxi driver was later arrested but AINA said he has refused to cooperate with authorities. There is no information on the other three kidnappers.

 

For more information visit www.aina.org

 

About the writer: Jeremy Reynalds is Senior Correspondent for the ASSIST News Service, a freelance writer and also the founder and CEO of Joy Junction, New Mexico's largest emergency homeless shelter, http://www.joyjunction.org. He has a master's degree in communication from the University of New Mexico, and a Ph.D. in intercultural education from Biola University in Los Angeles. His newest book is "From Destitute to Ph.D." Additional details on "From Destitute to Ph.D." are available at http://www.myhomelessjourney.com. Reynalds lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife, Elma. For more information contact: Jeremy Reynalds at jeremyreynalds@gmail.com.

 

Note: If you would like to help support the ASSIST News Service, just go to www.assistnews.net  and click on the DONATE button to make you tax-deductible gift (in the US), which will help us continue to bring you these important stories. 

 

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Bedik, Budik of Senegal

Bedik, Budik of Senegal The Bedik people constitute an ethnic group that lives apart from society. One seldom meets a Bedik in political meetings or other popular gatherings. Bedik girls' unique hair styles are characterized by one big plait on top of the head and several small plaits on the side. The Bedik people are very respectful to their elders. In Bedik society, the elders are always given first priority. The Bedik traditionally believe in dialants, a heap of small stones near a wall or tree, where sacrifices are made and prayers are said regularly. Few Bediks are Muslim. When asked why, they reply that the main reason is the dominant presence of Fulbe people in Islam. The Bedik and Fulbe peoples do not get along, because the cows, sheep, and goats of the Fulbe graze in and trample the fields of the Bedik farmers. Ministry Obstacles The literacy rate is very low among this tribe. Outreach Ideas Perhaps workers who know how to tell stories from scripture will come to the Bedik tribe. Gospel recordings are also available. The Gospel needs to come primarily in oral form. Pray for the followers of Christ It is questionable as to whether there any followers of Jesus today among the Bedik tribe. However, please pray for those who will soon come to saving faith in Christ, that they will learn to live in the power of God's Spirit, demonstrating love, joy, peace, and all the fruit of the Spirit. Pray for the entire people group Pray the Bedik people will live in peace with their neighbors, and will have access to clean water and adequate rainfall for their crops and herds. Scripture Focus "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea." Habakkuk 2:14		People Name: Bedik, Budik Country: Senegal 10/40 Window: Yes Population: 4,800 World Population: 4,800 Language: Menik Primary Religion: Ethnic Religions Bible: Portions Online Audio NT: No Jesus Film: No Audio Recordings: Yes Christ Followers: Few, less than 2% Status: Unreached Progress Level: 1.2

When You Choose to Forgive (Writer's Opinion)

When You Choose to Forgive (Writer's Opinion)
By Carol Round, Special to ASSIST News Service
CLAREMORE, OK (ANS – May 17, 2015) --  “Forgive, and you will be forgiven”—Luke 6:37 (NRSV).
Upset she had cheated my son out of $30, I didn’t want to forgive her. I was also mad at myself because I had been used in the process. I guess it’s because I trust too much, trust others to do unto me as I would do unto them. However, I failed to remember not all people are trustworthy.
My son had agreed to purchase two items through an online site where people buy, sell and trade merchandise. Because the seller lived in a community closer to me, and because my son works odd hours sometimes, he asked me to contact her, set up a time to meet and pay for the merchandise. I agreed.
We met nearby in a public place where we made the exchange. Because I trusted that my son and this woman had made the deal, and he knew what he was getting, I got into my vehicle without checking the merchandise. Placing them in the cup holder beside me, I noticed a small part had fallen off one of the items. Picking it up, I discovered the part could not have broken off just by my handling it. It had been broken when she handed it to me.
I knew the seller hadn’t gone too far up the highway so I called her. I was trying to be gracious when I said, “The merchandise I just purchased from you...something is wrong. A piece fell off.”
She replied with, “Well, there was nothing wrong when I handed it to you.” By the tone of her voice, I knew I’d been had—or at least my son had lost $30.
I replied, “Maybe there is an explanation and I just don’t know how to put the part back on. Could you please come back and show me what’s wrong?” I still sincerely believed she might feel remorse and return where we could make an exchange and I could get my son’s money back. I was wrong. Although she agreed to return, she didn’t. I sat there for at least 15 minutes before realizing she wasn’t coming back.
I texted my son to share the bad news with him. Inside, I was fuming, angry that someone had taken advantage of my son as well as me. After exchanging several texts, including an apology for not checking the merchandise before I handed the cash over, my son replied, “No biggie. Besides, I have her phone number and a sense of humor.”
A sense of humor? Mine had deserted me. Holding onto my resentment for this woman, I carried it with me the rest of the day, gnawing on it like a dog does a bone. Later that day, God brought to mind that He had forgiven me my sins and I needed to forgive her. I decided to pray for her. I couldn’t continue to let her rob me of my joy.
In her book, “7 Prayers that will Change Your Life Forever,” author Stormie OMartian, says, “Forgiveness doesn’t make the other person right, it makes you free.”
Email carolaround@yahoo.com  for information about speaking at your next event. Check out the author's blog at www.carolaround.com  for more inspiration.
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