Posted in Anger, Evil, Faith, Family Secrets, Grudges, Joyful-Echoes.com, Uncategorized

“Truth vs. Myth: Unmasking the Reality of People’s Lives”

In the complex tapestry of human relationships, there often lies a struggle between letting people believe in myths and sharing the harsh truth. It’s a delicate balance that many of us face, especially when dealing with individuals whose actions and character have been shrouded in deception or myth. Sometimes, the truth needs to be revealed, even if it’s uncomfortable, to prevent perpetuating falsehoods.

A Personal Journey:
Many of us have faced situations where we’ve grappled with revealing the truth about someone’s character. Take, for example, the story of a past relationship, like the one experienced by the author concerning her first husband. In an attempt to protect her daughter, she initially refrained from speaking ill of him. However, as her daughter grew older, the truth inevitably came to light. The abuse, cruelty, and controlling nature of the ex-husband became apparent.

The Importance of Truth:
In cases where individuals have inflicted harm, abused power, or lived dishonest lives, it’s crucial to acknowledge the truth. The truth may be painful, but it serves as a vital lesson for future generations. It prevents the dangerous myth-making that can occur when we overlook or sugarcoat the actions of those who have done harm.

Balancing Forgiveness and Wisdom:
God indeed encourages forgiveness, but not at the expense of wisdom. It’s possible to forgive without being naive. Acknowledging the truth does not mean stirring up trouble or seeking revenge; it’s about learning from the past to ensure a better future.

Breaking the Myth:
It’s not uncommon for society to elevate certain individuals to sainthood after their passing, even when their actions were far from saintly. This happens in cases involving abusive parents, criminals, or those who have harmed others. It’s essential to break the myth, not out of malice, but out of a responsibility to truth and justice.

Counting Blessings:
Sometimes, not knowing one’s parents or grandparents may be a blessing in disguise. There could be compelling reasons why certain individuals were absent from one’s life. These reasons might include a history of abuse, addiction, or other harmful behaviors.


In the end, we should heed the lessons of our past and the guidance of our faith. While forgiveness is a noble virtue, it should not lead us to turn a blind eye to the truth. Revealing the reality of someone’s character, especially when they have caused harm, can be an act of compassion and a safeguard against perpetuating myths that can harm others. God calls us to be both forgiving and wise, striking a balance that ensures justice and a path toward healing and wholeness.

Posted in Grateful, Grudges, joyful-echoes, Uncategorized

“Embracing Life’s Blessings: The Power of Kindness and Humility”

Hello, dear readers,

Today, I want to share a story close to my heart—one that reminds us that blessings come in diverse and unexpected ways. Life has an uncanny knack for teaching us lessons when we least expect it, and these lessons often revolve around the importance of kindness, humility, and the art of recognizing the blessings that surround us.

Recently, I found myself in the midst of a life-changing adventure—an interstate move across the country. As you might imagine, it was no small feat. Long hours on the road, aching joints, and the sheer physical toll of loading and unloading a U-Haul truck made for a challenging journey. At times, it felt like I needed a ladder just to climb into the truck’s cabin!

A family member recently offered to help us move to be closer to them, which was a chance of a lifetime, and after discussion my husband and I decided to take the journey from Ohio to Florida, and then we would be staying in a nice home.

And because of the long journey instead of me, being grateful I was ticked off just because I was in pain I was exhausted I was hungry. I was tired and it was wrong. I had no business being so mean.

But life has a way of delivering its lessons in pairs. As I traveled, my aching joints became a constant companion. Joint pain can be an unwelcome and persistent visitor, making even the simplest tasks seem monumental. I mean the Uhaul truck was a chore getting in and out of.

It was during this time that I realized the value of hiring someone to high-dust my new home, sparing me the discomfort of ascending a ladder. In this moment, a blessing took shape in the form of a service that lightened my load, both literally and figuratively.

However, life isn’t just about receiving blessings; it’s also about recognizing our own moments of imperfection. As I dealt with the physical and emotional toll of the move, I found myself succumbing to frustration and moodiness. There was a moment when I looked in the mirror and realized that I was far from the kind and patient person I aspired to be. In fact, I was acting quite the opposite—a “rotten human being,” as I put it. This self-awareness became the catalyst for another vital lesson.

I recognized that I was becoming a hypocrite—preaching kindness while failing to embody it myself. I had allowed the stress and discomfort of the situation to impact my behavior negatively. It was then that I understood the importance of acknowledging our own shortcomings and seeking forgiveness when we fall short of our own ideals.

So, here’s the takeaway: blessings can come in many forms, from the helping hand of a friend to the relief provided by a hired service. But these blessings are often intertwined with the lessons we learn along the way. We must be mindful not to take advantage of others, or be short with others especially during times of frustration or discomfort. We must remember that kindness should be our guiding principle, even when life doesn’t go exactly as planned.

As I continue on this journey, I’m making a conscious effort to practice kindness, not just in my actions but also in my words and thoughts.

I don’t usually go off the deep end like that.

Let’s remember that we’re all works in progress, and while life may test our patience, it also offers us the chance to grow. So, dear readers, may you all have a blessed day, filled with opportunities to embrace life’s blessings and to practice kindness and humility in all that you do.

Posted in Anger, Faith, Grudges, Joyful-Echoes.com, Life, Love

The Power of Words in Our Christian Walk


In the tapestry of our lives, the words we speak are like the threads that weave our story. They hold the power to shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions. As Christians, our words hold an even deeper significance, as they are intertwined with our faith journey. In this blog post, we will explore how our speech affects our Christian walk and how we can harness the power of positive words to align with God’s plan for our lives.

The Influence of Our Words:
The Bible reminds us of the immense influence our words have on our lives. Proverbs 18:21 (NIV) tells us, “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” Our words can either breathe life into our circumstances or cast a shadow of negativity. Speaking negatively can lead to disappointment and despair, while speaking positively can usher in hope and joy.

Declaration of Faith:
As believers, it is crucial to declare our faith through the words we speak. Let us take a moment to make this powerful declaration a part of our daily lives:

“Let God be my vindicator. God’s dream for my life is unstoppable, not hindered by disappointments or adversities. God has solutions ready for every problem I face. I trust in His perfect timing, knowing that everything will work together for good. The right people and opportunities are coming my way. I am surrounded by God’s favor and secure in His promises, safe in His love. I am fulfilling my destiny, letting go of all past hurts and forgiving those who have hurt me. With God by my side, I am wiser and stronger.”

Bible Verses for Encouragement:

  1. Romans 8:28 (NIV): “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” This verse reminds us that God is at work in all circumstances, turning them for our good.
  2. Proverbs 4:23 (NIV): “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” This verse underscores the importance of guarding our hearts and speaking in alignment with God’s Word.

Quote of the Day:
“Words are free. It’s how you use them that may cost you.” — Unknown


In our Christian walk, the words we speak are not mere expressions but powerful tools that can shape our reality. By embracing positivity, faith, and forgiveness in our speech, we align ourselves with God’s plan for our lives. Let us remember the declaration of faith and the wisdom of the Bible verses as we journey toward a life filled with hope, purpose, and the abundant blessings of our heavenly Father.

Posted in Anger, Grudges, Love

Letting Go of Anger

Letting Go of Anger: Choosing Love Over Grudges

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In our daily lives, it’s not uncommon to encounter situations that trigger anger or frustration. However, holding onto that anger and nurturing grudges only harms us and allows negative influences to take hold in our lives. In this blog post, we will explore the importance of letting go of anger, understanding its root causes, and choosing love and forgiveness instead. By doing so, we can protect ourselves from the lurking traps set by the devil and foster healthier, more fulfilling relationships with others.

Acknowledging Our Emotions:
Anger is a natural human emotion that we all experience at some point. It is how we handle and process that anger that truly matters. The Bible doesn’t condemn anger but provides guidance on how to deal with it. Ephesians 4:26 advises us to “not let the sun go down while you are still angry,” reminding us to address and resolve our anger in a timely manner.

Working Through Anger:
When we find ourselves feeling angry, it is essential to give ourselves space and grace to process our emotions. Taking the time to reflect on the root cause of our anger and understanding that we all make mistakes can help us gain perspective. It’s important to remember that holding grudges only perpetuates negativity and prevents growth and healing.

Choosing Love and Forgiveness:
Rather than allowing anger to consume us, we must choose love and forgiveness as our guiding principles. Recognizing that everyone is capable of making mistakes can help us extend grace towards others. By letting go of grudges and forgiving those who have wronged us, we release ourselves from the burden of anger and open ourselves up to a more peaceful and joy-filled life.

Guarding Against Negative Influences:
The devil seeks to exploit our weaknesses and tempt us into harboring bitterness and unforgiveness. We must remain vigilant and not succumb to his traps. Holding onto anger and grudges only gives the devil a foothold in our lives, leading to further negativity and isolation. Instead, we can choose to resist these influences by nurturing a spirit of love, compassion, and understanding.

Remember
Letting go of anger and grudges is a powerful act of self-liberation and empowerment. By choosing love, forgiveness, and understanding, we protect ourselves from falling into the devil’s snares and cultivate healthier relationships with others. Remember, it’s okay to feel anger, but it’s how we handle and release that anger that defines us. So why not make the decision today to let go of grudges and embrace a life filled with love and forgiveness? The choice is in our hands.