I’m entering a giveaway this time instead of offering one. A different kind of giveaway. Because it’s not a “w00t, w00t, look at the free stuff I won” kind of giveaway. It’s a “what kind of good can you do with all this cool stuff” giveaway. 50 bloggers are giving away $6000 in HP hardware. I may not even stand a chance. But in reading Sugar’s blog “Living in Theory“, I got the inspiration to deal with something that is weighing heavily on me and maybe turn this giveaway into a healing for moi as well as help out a group of deserving people.
I have been close to a Brazilian family here in Richmond for a long time. Honestly, one of the sisters has helped me clean my house for years. But we were very close and there was an understanding beyond worker/boss. I can’t clean my own house effectively because of back/knee/ankle difficulty and she went out of her way to help me.
She and her family here in the states ran a charitable drive through her church to send clothes, toys, household items and just about anything to her family’s church in Brazil. We gave them everything my kids outgrew as well as sorting bins, and gave furniture to newly arriving families from other countries. I enjoyed helping her cause.
She and her husband had to leave unexpectedly…to help an aging mother. Her sister helped me with cleaning and took over the charitable end of her project. I was troubled when her husband lost his job, and I gave him handyman projects around my house to do. It was even a lousy job and I didn’t complain. I let it go.
OK, now we get to the meaty part. Without getting into details, and keeping it short, they are trying to cheat me out of money. A lot of money. I have caught them in a string of changing lies. I am angry and hurt and sometimes when I think about it, I cry or stare into space with that deer in headlights look. I understand some people are desperate right now. Lord knows as a single mom, I don’t have the money that I used to. I have to fire her and it pains me to do so. I don’t want to put any more of a financial burden on them. I just won’t tolerate lying. If they had been honest from the beginning…it would be so different. Lies catch up to you…they should have known. The anger can eat me up, or I can take action to do something about it. I’m an action kind of person.
What I would like to do is make this donation to the Church. Their Church – to their Pastor…so many young people come to this country and find their way to that Church and I know that they could benefit either through upgrading their own technology, or giving it to the young people to help them as they start in this country. I’ve seen the good that they have done and met the young people there and believe in the work that they do. I’d donate any or all or whatever they can use. I know it will all be appreciated beyond belief.
And I will be able to begin to forgive and forget…and turn the other cheek.
Forgiveness, though so hard to do at times, is worth it every time!
Good luck!
What a great way to turn something negative into a postive!
Good on you for doing something nice, despite the hurt you are feeling. Sorry they have made you feel bad, you don’t deserve it.
Good for you! It’s hard to turn a negative into a positive. Great way to do it.
I HATE when someone lies to me. I am so sorry. But you are so wonderful to want to change the lives of others. You are my hero.
I agree. You have to do something, or things will just continue to get worse. That’s really awful though. But you’re right, desperate people begin doing desperate things. Good luck with the donation! Well, and with the rest of the stuff, too.
)
What a sincere offer in the spirit of forgiveness you would be making. I wish you the best of luck in achieving this!
What a selfless thing to do, and so true that forgiving is facilitated by giving. What a blessing it would be to all involved.
man, you people are crazy good with the love and forgiveness. straight up.
Forgiving someone who lies to you is one of the hardest things for me to do. It becomes so hard to continue to trust all of their future actions- you find yourself doubting and questioning them. I like how you are fostering this forgiveness in yourself by giving to someone close to them without rewarding them for deception.
@smussyolay : 30 minutes into following these links and I am already feeling better about the world and more in the christmas spirit….
First thing: Fire the liar -at once- and don't sweat it. You can't help everyone, & you shouldn't help *anyone* to the detriment -in any way- of you & yours.
Second thing: Kudos on your open heart & desire to continue to contribute to a worthy cause. And double kudos for wanting to forgive someone who has so wronged you.
Good luck!
~Raven
@raven so right about the “not putting up with it”. In the spirit of wanting to be kind and forgiving, it is easy to let yourself get pushed around or abused. It is possible to be strong and protective and still be kind and caring. thanks for the reminder.
What a disappointment to be cheated by someone you care about! I am truly sorry. I admire your resolve to forgive them and turn the other cheek. Kuddos to you!
How sad, i know what its like to be cheated, it very disappointing. But really am amazed to see how forgiving you are. God bless
Peter
http://peterifranco.wordpress.com/2008/12/11/hp-magic-giveaway-living-in-theory/
So sorry for the difficulty with these individuals – it is very hard when someone betrays your trust. I like your plan for sharing the giveaway magic though – so considerate! Take care!
Wow, I feel for your situation. Try to look to brighter things.
Best of Luck.
Yikes. That’s what I have to say. Geez girl, you are always so kind and generous to others, it’s stinky that anyone would take advantage of you.
I’m grateful I ‘know’ you. Someday to meet up eh?
@carissarogers
I applaud you for not focusing on the negative they are bringing to their church and family but on the good the family has done.
Good luck!
This is the second ‘amazing forgiveness’ entry I’ve seen, and they’ve both been absolutely inspiring. Thanks for choosing to bless those who have cursed you. There’s something magical just in that!!!
Your ability to forgive is admirable. Very inspiring and impressive. Best of luck!