Simple truth – You have a right to be loved.
The simple truth is this; you have put up too long with people in your life that just won’t make an effort to improve the relationship you share with them. The operative word is, ‘put up’ and perhaps you have ‘put up’ because you convinced yourself that even what you get you won’t receive if you demand more. Even worse, you have now come to believe that this is what your worth.
The truth is that we have surrounded ourselves with people who don’t respect who we are and who care little for our emotional needs while constantly demanding more for themselves. You don’t have to think hard for I am sure a name is just going to come up as you read this.
I am one of those people, who constantly put a lot into reaching out to others, relationships are important to me. For me, human touch and personal interactions are important. I constantly find myself making time for friends and loved ones often at the cost of my own needs. If I know that someone is in pain I will ensure that I reach out to them in some way or the other. I am sure that many of you who are reading this identify with me.
On the flip side I find myself enveloped by some people who constantly receive much and give very little. Their excuse, “this is who I am”! The truth is this is not who they are, for if motivated to their own needs and pleasures they will be up and running like a half crazed lover heading on his first date. Yet to those around them from whom they receive much their excuse is always, “this is who I am” or “accept me as I am.”
Wohhhooooo! Amazing read at the start of the day. ..
Thankyou for putting this together Fr.
Liberating for sure Fr. Warner. But I can’t help hearing what Jesus would say ‘Give without counting the cost … without expecting anything in return”. It’s what Jesus did, isn’t it? So much as I would love to feel liberated by this post of yours my conscience does not permit me to. God is always there for us irrespective of whether we reciprocate or not … should we not follow His example? I’m no saint and it bugs the hell out of me … but try we must to give and not expect in return.
Thanks for sharing your views Fr. I’d like to state that in my opinion, attitude change makes the required difference . Not easy, but I’m working on it. I recently read – Self change is the best way to change others (The Beatitudes by Fr. Francis Ripoll, SJ).
And I must admit the attitude of gratitude has changed my perception of life making me happy and content even in the midst of trying times.
Loved this Padré. Nicely put. Besides being a wake up call for those who don’t give back as much, it’s indeed a wake up call for some of us who have forgotten to give back as much. Thank you and God Bless you always. ❤️
Father, I wish I had heard this twenty years back. Thank you for articulating what I thought was not compatible with Chtistian thought. I have lots of experiences of emotional abuse.
One was by a well-known Church goer who constantly ridiculed me in public because I was single. I kept quiet thinking that I was acting like Jesus. After 12 years, I finally asked him to stop. Then, he stopped talking to me.
Another bad experience was with my little sister. I made a perfect fool of myself caring for her like a mother. But once she was educated, went abroad, and got married, she started treating me like a piece of rag. I quietly went through hell thinking all the time that I just had to forgive her and allow myself to be exploited. Finally, I came to my senses. Ran away from her home. Managed to find some work but at least, I am living with dignity now.
Thank you so much for your videos. I chanced upon your Youtube channel “accidentally.” Now, I watch all your homilies.
God bless you.