I'm not sure where to start...
Since October 12th when Tom's obituary was in the newspaper, I've had five credit card companies call regarding Tom's recent application for credit!
Yep...identity fraud!
How low can people get?
One conversation:
Credit Card Rep: May I speak with Tom Anglea?
Me: I'm sorry, he recently passed away.
Credit Card Rep: It is our policy to speak with Mr. Anglea in person.
Me: I'm not sure you heard me, but he died on Oct. 12th!
Credit Card Rep: I'm sorry...
After many hours on the phone getting things straightened out, a lot of frustration and filing a police report, God finally revealed and reminded me this morning the truth about identity!
"For you have been called for
this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you,
leaving you an example for you to
follow in His steps,
who
committed no sin, nor was any deceit
found in His mouth;
and while being reviled, He did not
revile in return; while suffering,
He uttered no threats, but kept
entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously;
and He Himself bore our sins
in His body on the cross,
so that we might die to sin and live
to righteousness;
for by His wounds you were healed."
I Peter 2:21-24
When Jesus "bore my sins" on the cross, He identified with me. He did not sympathize with me, He understood what sin was. People who have not lost a spouse cannot identify with me, they sympathize with me (well I think they do!). How does Jesus want me to respond to people who can't identify with me? The same way I would want others who I can't identify with...forgiveness.
"Now all these things are from
God,
who reconciled us to Himself through
Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation,
namely, that God was in Christ
reconciling the world to Himself,
not counting their trespasses against
them,
and He has committed to us the word
of reconciliation."
II Corinthians 5:18-19
What does it mean to reconcile?
verb (used with object)
1. to cause (a person) to accept or be resigned to something not desired:
2.to win over to friendliness; cause to become amicable:
3.to compose or settle (a quarrel, dispute, etc.).
4.to bring into agreement harmony; make compatible or consistent:
So often we want everyone to understand us or how we feel...it's impossible. God is the only One Who can truly understand us or our feelings because He identified with us on the cross. I have had many moments (okay...days, not moments) of why can't people understand? Especially the person who filled out applications in Tom's name for credit! God continues to be patient with me and I'm realizing the ball continues to be in "my court" when it comes to forgiveness. Can I just be honest here...I don't want the ball! I keep passing it to others who continue to drop it! I'm wondering now how many times people have "passed" me the ball and I've dropped it! It truly is a misconception that people should understand...they don't...and I'm realizing I'm putting high expectations on people.
Now to all my amazing friends and family who have understood...I love you!
This past week I'm thankful for:
-a friend called because "God prompted her" and we were able to enjoy a walk in the beauty of the last days of an Indian summer!...Thanks, Chris!
-a friend pampered me for a day - lunch on the patio, mani/pedi, and ice cream cones to top off a perfect day!
Royal Treatment...Thank You, Ginny (& Tom)
-God coordinating an impromptu
visit with a dear sister at the grocery store!...Love you, Wendy!
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