Sometimes in my passion to right all the world’s wrongs at once, I over-speak.
When I posted my thoughts about Tara’s Story, I did just that. I read her story and saw it through my own eyes. I heard the comments people have made to me, and I responded to them. I tried to head off every naysayer Tara could ever be confronted with – and there will always be some! I was hoping to protect and defend Tara, but in doing so, maybe I was hoping to protect and defend myself as well. I was also trying to tell her that I understood some of what she is up against, but that she could overcome anything with faith.
But I overstepped my bounds,
and I failed miserably.
What I Should Have Said:
I spoke of Tara being perfectly Loved and of how proud I was of her, but I should have gone farther into the many positive traits I see in her. I should have made the entire post more positive.
I missed the mark. I may have missed the entire range.
Tara is a hero. Ceil, from Surrounded by the Spirit, reminded me (see the comments below) what a true hero Tara is and how much courage it takes to take three boys, leave an abusive man, and start over with almost nothing.
I know this.
But I never said it.
That was my mistake.
I should have spoken more positively about Tara
and I should have spoken less for her.
Tara did a fine job on her own without my comments.
I thought all day about the best way to handle it.
I think all I can do is to swallow my own pride and ask for forgiveness from Tara and others
and to thank Ceil for emphasizing the Good and the Power that Tara has in her.
I have also gotten in touch with Tara privately.
I was wrong. Please forgive me despite the fact that I am not worthy of it.
Please continue to pray for victims of domestic violence and for all those struggling and feeling alone in the world. Pray that they will realize that no one is ever truly alone.
Thank you for the prayers and encouragement I just had time to read as I am working two jobs to support me and my boys thank you and God Bless you both.
God Bless You too, Tara. You are an inspiration to those who read this and to your sons. Keep up the good work! Your family remains in my prayers.
Hi Strahlen! Well, I went back to yesterday’s post and read Tara’s Story, and then your comments. It really leaves me speechless. Here is a precious daughter of God, trying to do her best for her family. How could anyone say anything negative about that?
I think it takes a hero to leave and start up again against such incredible odds. Her income is so low, and she is trying to do so much. My prayers blend with your own Strahlen. This is real life. This is tough, but I have faith and trust that she is going to make it.
Thank you for sharing her story. We need to remember our heroes.
Ceil
Thank you Thank you THANK YOU Ceil!!! I hope Tara comes back and sees what you think of her! She is without a doubt a hero!
Life can be so hard sometimes. People can be judgmental and cruel without meaning to be. Maybe they are more thoughtless than judgmental and cruel, and it’s my own sensitivity speaking. I’ve heard the comments myself usually offset by a, “well, you’re not included in that group” kind of statement, but those comments hurt anyway. I hope I didn’t sound too negative. That wasn’t my intention. I think my instinct may sometimes still be to hunker down and defend before even knowing if there is anything to defend against. I am a work in progress. I hope I didn’t blow this post by trying to protect her.
Thank you so much for adding your comments and for encouraging Tara and other women like her. It took amazing courage for her to come out and share. I am so proud of her. This definitely shows the strength she has, and that that strength will help her make it!