Erase or Escape

"To err is human..."  

Alexander Pope is said to have coined the phrase as part of his "Essay on Criticism," and it's been used in countless ways.  Mistakes are part of being human; and many of them can be remedied through erasers (like the jumbo eraser featured above), correction tape, or even correction fluid.  Sometimes, we can backspace, cut away, or draw lines through a mistake.  Most mistakes are harmless and can be easily pardoned.

Other mistakes, especially those repeated, are less quickly dismissed.  Much like a "cherished sin" (Psalm 66:18-19), wounds inflicted by those dear to us grow scar tissue as the heart seeks to protect itself from further lashings.  Proverbs 18:14 explains it well, "The human spirit can endure a sick body, but who can bear a crushed spirit? (NLT)"  The crushed spirit here, and in Psalm 34:18, refers to being contrite and sorrowful over one's sin; but it bears true for the broken-hearted whose spirits have been crushed under the weighty scrutiny and demands of cohorts.  "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (NLT)"  

We must be wise, as Jesus told His disciples as He commissioned them, “Look, I am sending you out as sheep among wolves. So be as shrewd as snakes and harmless as doves. (Matthew 10:16, NLT)"  It is neither shrewd nor wise to knowingly be involved with someone who repeatedly inflicts wounds, especially when those wounds involve deep confidences.  That sort of companion instills fear as they intimidate and manipulate others; and the kind of perfected love the Bible describes "casts out fear," according to 1 John 4:18.  I've seen it up close, been the one in the kind of "torment" this verse mentions, anticipating the next episode of displeasure.  If you're in that situation, know that you do not have to endure cruelty from someone declaring his or her fondness of you.  It takes courage, and it's very scary; but you can make a safer path for yourself either by altering your participation in the cycle or by other means that don't involve harming yourself or others.  I was bullied as a young person, and I didn't have the power to excuse myself from the hostile environment back then; but I remember the feelings, and I can do so now.  So can you.

Jotting with Johnna

Do you feel safe?  Are you afraid of saying "the wrong thing" innocently and receiving punishment (in any form)?  Do you dwell on or fret about the reactions of your companion(s) as you might have dreaded contact with bullies in childhood?  What kind of correction instrument might you employ as you amend your interactions with controlling, codependent, or critical people whom you cannot avoid?

Remember:  you are so very worthy of the simple courtesy it takes to be in relationship with friends and family in such a way that you are able to be unafraid.  Fear is a tool of the enemy, whose goal it is to "steal, kill, and destroy;" but one of Jesus' expressed goals for His own is that we experience a full and satisfying life, according to John 10:10.  The enemy can only steal your joy if you let him.

Stay tuned.  Stay focused.  Stay well.