Several years ago when I was having trouble forgiving a family member, it was suggested to me that I ask God every day to bless that person. I didn't have to mean it, I just had to pray it. I didn't see how it would help, but I did it anyway. In just days, I found that I actually meant my prayer of blessing for that person and I had genuine forgiveness for them. This method has worked for me many times since. Some times God changes my heart in just a couple days of praying for a person and sometimes it takes much longer, but so far it's always worked.

Jere Johnson, Helotes, Texas
 

I feel that forgiveness is one of the major stumbling blocks in our relationship with God and others. Every Christian I know, struggles with how to forgive. I have been working on this for years. I have finally gotten to the point where I am able to forgive what others do to me. But I still struggle with forgiving others that have hurt those close to me. Still working on "forgetting". Not being able to forgive and forget is
part of my humaness, something I am going to continue to struggle with.

Carol Ontto, Rock, Mich.
 

I am thankful that I don't live in a time where the world puts limits on women, merely because of gender. However, I think the so-called "feminist movement" has certainly done a number on society.

In the 70s and 80s when I grew up, young women were told we should do and have it all. We had to look perfect; excel in sports, the arts, and academics; have a great career; have a full social life; have beautiful babies; and so on. In the course of trying to achieve those worldly ideals, I almost lost God, our Father in the shuffle.

At 25, I found myself with a master's degree and a career, only wanting a husband and children. I wanted to serve God and take care of my husband, kids, and home. Unfortunately, the men I knew were counting on wives with careers so they could "have it all" too.

It is through the grace of God that I have been finally blessed with a true helpmate and children. (And a wonderful ELCA church family.) I am grateful that my master's degree enables me to help out with our material needs, but it has been a long journey to arrive at my calling and I feel that parts of the feminist movement stood in my way (and between me and my Lord).

Ultimately, I agree with what Rosemary wrote, "A feminist is a woman who does what she feels God has called her to do."

Susan W., Metamora, Mich.