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Julie H
Ha`aha`a
USA
1206 Posts |
 Posted - 12/24/2006 : 9:51:21 PM
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This was a Christmas Eve which I will probably never forget. Miracles do happen...
Tonight at Christmas Eve services at my church, I noticed with shock a certain woman singing in the choir. This woman and I had been "enemies" for many years. We had totally different philosophies about a certain type of land use, and over the years, as we were on opposite sides of the political battle, we became more and more hateful with each other.
Now mind you, this is MY Church, where I used to sing in the choir years ago before motherhood took all of my energy away.
Sadly, earlier this year her 19 year old son hanged himself. I tentatively sent her flowers and she sent back a hand-written note which advised me to keep my son off those nasty psycho-tropic drugs which were creating havoc with depressed kids and causing suicidal tendencies instead of providing relief.
I always thought I would run into her at the local supermarket or someplace like that, and wondered how we would react to each other.
Tonight, God provided us an opportunity to reach out to one another. Tonight, things were a little awkward as we faced each other across the pews, celebrating the birthday of The One Who Fosters Love, and singing about love and salvation.
Really funny thing, as the service ended, we found ourselves purposely finding a beeline to each other, and as we embraced, I was able to ask her how she was, and we actually started talking as one human being to another. She confided in me that some long-ago actions of mine hurt her deeply, and as we talked about these things I was able to tell her to let all those things go, because none of it was important anymore. Under the circumstances, she needed to put her energy into recovering from her son's death. I can tell you that our husbands looked at us in amazement. And total silence. Neither of them approached us while we were talking face to face no more than inches from each other.
My dear friends, I only share this very private moment with you because I am just flabbergasted, and I want everyone to know that there is always a chance of healing. If you have relationships or hatreds that are interfering in your happy lives, see if there is not a way to forgive and forget.
I never thought this would be possible, but tonight I learned a lesson in forgiveness and love and the Christmas spirit, very much alive in this church, which housed two mortal enemies at the same time. I am so sad that it took the premature death of one of our sons to bring us together in peace. But I think we're on our way to truly find a peace together.
Merry Christmas to all of you who believe, may the Good Lord bless you and your loved ones,
Julie
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Edited by - Julie H on 12/24/2006 10:07:17 PM |
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dr. cookie
Lokahi
USA
299 Posts |
Posted - 12/24/2006 : 10:01:19 PM
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What a great Christmas story, Julie . . . may the remainder of the holiday season continue to amaze you!
Don |
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Admin
Pupule
USA
4551 Posts |
Posted - 12/24/2006 : 10:34:08 PM
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Hi Julie,
Thanks for sharing such a deeply personal experience with all of us. Good to see that modern day miracles are still alive and well. Merry Christmas! |
Andy |
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keneke ka
Akahai
USA
75 Posts |
Posted - 12/25/2006 : 10:20:38 AM
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| Thanks for sharing your " Christmas Eve Miracle " story . Peace be with you, God's continued blessings upon you... |
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Pops
Lokahi
USA
387 Posts |
Posted - 12/25/2006 : 1:16:51 PM
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Julie,
Last night the Good Lord gave you an amazing Chistmas present - and you can take with you everywhere! A wonderful story, God bless you.
--Mark |
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javeiro
Lokahi
USA
459 Posts |
Posted - 12/26/2006 : 11:35:51 AM
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Julie,
Thanks so very much for sharing such a terrific story. I am very happy that you two were able to put past differences aside and you were able to help her by sharing some of your true aloha spirit at a time when she very likely is in great need of it. |
Aloha,
John A. |
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RJS
Ha`aha`a
1635 Posts |
Posted - 12/26/2006 : 3:18:28 PM
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Thanks, Julie.
A blessing. |
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Mika ele
Ha`aha`a
USA
1493 Posts |
Posted - 12/27/2006 : 08:08:14 AM
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. . and forgive us our trespasses
. . as we forgive those that trespass against us
Aloha Ke Akua |
E nana, e ho'olohe. E pa'a ka waha, e hana ka lima. |
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thumbstruck
Ahonui
USA
2168 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2006 : 04:50:42 AM
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| Thank you for sharing. It's good to know that we all have such opportunities to forgive and be forgiven. |
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alohakanakaluka
Lokahi
USA
135 Posts |
Posted - 12/28/2006 : 09:31:57 AM
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Great story and very touching Julie,
hope to see you soon, Happy Holidays
Timmy |
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hawaiianmusiclover06
`Olu`olu
USA
562 Posts |
Posted - 12/29/2006 : 08:40:52 AM
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| That was a great story, Julie! Thanks for sharing. Hope to see you areound on the patch. |
Aloha Kakou, maluhia a me aloha mau loa (Hello everyone, peace and love forever) |
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cmdrpiffle
`Olu`olu
USA
553 Posts |
Posted - 01/04/2007 : 08:27:11 AM
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Good on you Julie.
Warm light to you and your family.
Thanks for that.
Mike |
my Poodle is smarter than your honor student |
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