This was the startlingly blunt message of Joel Osteen’s sermon on TV this morning. Yes, it’s true. I occasionally watch a TV preacher. Well, this TV preacher. The others, ummm....
Anyway, this was one of the best messages, in a sermon or anywhere else, that I’ve ever heard. And it was meant just...for...me. You see, just before I tuned in, I was driving myself crazy with something that has been eating at me for several days, a recent conversation that I kept poking at like a sore tooth. I kept thinking about one thing in particular that the other person said that had just hit me the wrong way. I couldn’t let it go. I couldn’t let it go even though I am enlightened (cough, cough) enough to know that this was not serving me.
I tried to shift my perspective. I read inspirational passages in A Course in Miracles, the Bhagavad-gita, other blogs, the Bible. But the inspiration sparked and then fizzled like a damp match.
When I woke up this morning and started rehashing the conversation even before my eyes were open, I put my hands on my head and said out loud to no one in particular, “Please help me stop this!” Before I knew it, I picked up the remote (not something I would normally do) and turned on the TV just as Joel was starting his sermon. The first words I heard were “Get over it.”
Oh. Just like that? Yeah, pretty much.
Joel told the story of Joseph from the Bible. Joseph had lots of brothers. They were jealous of him and decided to get rid of him by selling him into slavery. Taken to Egypt, Joseph served his master faithfully and prospered, eventually being elevated to a position second only to Pharaoh. When famine in his homeland drove his brothers into Egypt seeking food, Joseph found himself in a position of authority over the siblings who had wished him only harm. He forgave them, saying, “You meant it for evil, but God meant it for good.”
Nothing happens to you, Joel assured his audience. It happens for you. “God wasn’t having a bad day when he made you.” As the Bible says, we are fearfully and wonderfully made.
So, got laid off? Relationship ended? Betrayed by a friend? Had a bad childhood? Business failed? Someone say something that irritated the heck out of you, like what happened to me? Yes, life can deal us some blows. But, as Joel said, we can be pitiful or powerful. We can choose to be a victim or trust that whatever happened can lead us to our greatest destiny.
Still not sure? Watch this video about a man born without arms and legs. If I was still holding on to a smidgen of bitterness about being wronged, this took care of it.
I got over it.
related posts: Mirror, Mirror on the Wall; So Generous; Calling for Love
After reading your post it too a few minutes before I could compose a clear thought. As I read your story I was thinking how hard it is for me to let go of something small like a conversation I wish had went in a different direction. It will play back in my head for days on end. Thanks for the reminder I need to work a little harder on letting go.
ReplyDeleteBonnie, You and me both. We'll work on it together. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteHow did you know I needed to hear this? I've been upsetting myself today with angry and resentful thoughts about situations gone by and situations that might never even happen. Such a waste of time and energy. I need to get over it! Thanks as always for sharing your journey. As you do, you help others!
ReplyDeleteTina, I suspect that many of us share this tendency to dwell on something that is long gone or uncertain in the future. As you observed, it does drain our energy, and our peace and joy. I'm going to try to remember Joel's simple directive. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI love that Joel Osteen guy Galen. He always simplifies life problems and breaks it down to the bottom line. Also so inspiring - it doesn't happen to you but for you. wow!!!
ReplyDeletePitiful or powerful. another wow. he hits us with so much wisdom and encouragement with such a simple sounding and easy to understand sermon.
And of course I randomly walked into the bookstore on Thursday and picked up the book of the man you showed a video of and read about an hour's worth of it - Nick Vujicik. I was blown away and realized if he's making do without his arms or legs, I could get over whatever problem I was dealing with.
Vishnu, Yes, Joel has his moments, that's for sure. This sermon was full of them! Now I'm intrigued by Nick, too. I see that there are lots of videos about him on YouTube. I included a short one with this post, but there are longer ones, too. I might try to watch one today. And I will definitely check out his book. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteThe book, the 50 pages or so Iread was nothing short of amazing. I realized I have no problems in life after reading about his life and challenges. He gives us a great dose of perspective!
DeleteHi Galen,
ReplyDeleteWe sometimes need such messages and signs to get over things that disturb us. I've always been inspired by the man in the video, Nick, and just watching him makes us feel so grateful for all that we've been given in our life - I think once we see the video - our worries seem so small. :)
Thanks for sharing :)
Harleena, So true. I'm going to remember to watch one of the videos about him next time I'm obsessing over something petty. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI love it when the answer we need, or the guidance, appears at the perfect time. Lovely post, and something I needed to read... Thank you.
ReplyDeleteTeresa, Glad it was timely for you, too. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteHave you ever read Illusions by Richard Bach? I think you might like that one :) I'm glad you got your message.
ReplyDeleteCairn, I'm not familiar with it, but I will check it out right away. Thanks for suggesting it. I'm glad I got my message, too. I woke up feeling free this morning! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteTrue words pf wisdom, yet sometimes we need to have it put to us blunt, plain and simple. I needed this this morning too. After someone made a comment to me a couple of days ago l have been beating myself up about my cronic illness, about always struggeling with pain, not being able to work outside home anymore, about being to sick to keep up certain friendships, loosing income etc etc. Your message hit me right where it was needed: "GET OVER IT"! God hasn't left me in the lurch. I get to give my husband and children all my time for one thing. That is a gift...but l need to realize that. Thank you for your words. Blessings Pam xx
ReplyDeletePam, I'm glad this message was helpful to you. Joel's sermon will repeat this evening. Maybe it will air where you are and you can watch it. Check your local cable listings. Your example in your own life is inspiring. Thanks for sharing it.
DeleteThank you for this!
ReplyDeleteJedidja, Glad you liked it.
DeleteHi Galen,
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this story and how you overcome the difficulty you faced! I can definite relate to having experiences like the one you had, where they just bug us and are difficult to shrug off. I've been trying to apply the concept that everything I'm experiencing, whether good and bad is exactly what I'm meant to be experiencing. In this sense, I can just accept it and as you said, get over it!
I have to confess. Every so often I too also watch a preacher on TV!
The video you shared by the way, as amazing and very inspiring. Thanks, Galen.
Hiten, Our secrets are coming out! And thanks for sharing your technique. That is very helpful to suspend our judgment of something as good or bad and accept it as is. Tara Brach wrote a wonderful book called Radical Acceptance. It's very much in keeping with what you described. You might like the book. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteHow can this be the message you needed to hear and your followers who left comments before me needed to hear when so clearly this message and post was meant for ME? Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Time for me to get unstuck.
ReplyDeleteKim, Ha! I can see that I'm in great company. I'm happy to share this "personal" message with you. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI've often had a similar experience, Galen, where I needed to hear something and I'd get it from an unexpected source. "Get over it" is a message one can receive with an open mind only if they're ready!
ReplyDeleteCorinne, I was certainly ready because after hearing that message I felt so free. I woke up today feeling peaceful and happy. It's interesting that you have had this experience, too. I think if we can pay attention, the help we need will always be there. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteThanks for passing on this message to a non-TV-preacher- watching person who occasionally needs to be reminded that this is so true.
ReplyDeleteTom, The message might have come from a TV preacher, but it certainly extends beyond any religious doctrine. Glad you found it helpful. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI too have 'gotten over it'. I've gotten over what people say and do. I've gotten over the hypocrites and nastiness of the world.
ReplyDeleteOnce I did that, I realized how blessed I really was.
Joel Osteen does it for me each and every time.
Mrs. SP
Mrs. SP, So glad you have "gotten over it" in your own life. Seems that I need a reminder now and again. Also glad to meet another Joel admirer! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteWow Galen! Talk about a prayer answered ASAP! :-)
ReplyDeleteDon't you just love it when that happens!
It seems to me that "letting go", otherwise known as getting over it, is a very good and necessary thing to do to go forward in life!
Lori
Lori, I do love it when that happens! And yes, letting go and getting over it are very similar. I think yesterday I needed to hear it in a stronger version. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteI think any form of Letting Go is an art to be practiced.
ReplyDeleteI remember in my college days reading a book about One does not need to know what the other feels or thinks about you - truly that is their business and since the mind can change so easily - it is more important to figure out what you think about something and then change your mind or get over it.
Much easier said then done for me.
Thank you for your kind words on my last creative post - not just a book review - The book I am reviewing today though is about an historic woman who had to repeatedly GET OVER IT...in order to care for her family and keep them going. Remarkable woman who was scandalized after her death in order for people to cope with what she taught and said...I want my daughters to read this biography
Patricia, I agree that this is something that can be practiced. The book you mentioned sounds intriguing! Thanks for commenting.
DeleteGalen, add me to the group of those thankful for this timing. This is the third sign I've gotten today that tells me it's time to let go of something that has been bothering me. It's not always easy but sometimes we need to put our own selves first, our well being. Forgiveness does not mean allowing bad behavior or treatment or forgetting but wishing for the other person to have a softened heart and for peace in our own minds and hearts.
ReplyDelete“Letting go give us freedom, and freedom is the only condition for happiness.” ~Thich Nhat Hanh
Bernadette, That is a wonderful description of forgiveness. You are right that it does not mean being a doormat or letting someone abuse us. Good boundaries are compatible with forgiveness. Thanks for adding your comment to the discussion.
DeleteI just love it when things like this happen - we so need a message and "BAM!" there it is! Just like that!
ReplyDeleteWonderful post, Galen, and certainly one which made my heart sing today.
Blessings!
Martha, BAM is right! It was pretty amazing. What's even more amazing is that the effect has stayed with me. It really broke the hold that I had on that situation. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteYour post today is so wonderful -- and so true. If we don't get over past pain, we allow it to continue to hurt us. It's so sad to see people whose lives are limited by pain of the past and tinged with residual bitterness. Choosing to let it go and get over it is so life-affirming. Thanks so much for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteKathleen, We can hold onto a recent "wrong" for days, and to a past one for decades. It's all the same isn't it? We are chained by our own bitterness. I have felt so free since my "epiphany" yesterday! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteAnother valuable lesson to repeat constantly! I mentioned in a recent post that not only do we not have to dwell in misery, bitterness, confusion, anger, etc., we also do not have to accept what is currently happening in our lives as an absolute. When that thought hit for me, it was monumental. I have the power to either embrace or release what I am experiencing. What is, at this moment, does not have to continue, and I have the power to change that reality. :)
ReplyDeleteThe first step to that is being self-aware and accountable.
Namaste',
Dawn
Dawn, Well said! And thanks for pointing out that essential first step. As long as we are blaming someone else, we will never free ourselves. Thanks for commenting.
DeleteYou always inspire me with your thoughts. It is interesting because I had a smiliar moment when I was struggling with something and I started to study and there was the answer. I do call in prompting and inspiration. It became part of my post today. I just love reading your thoughts because you have great thoughts that inspire. I like the idea of just get over it. I need to do this with some of my relationships.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and hugs!
LeAnn, You are so sweet and generous with your kind words. Sounds like we are in sync today. I'll be right over to read your post. Thanks for your lovely comment.
DeleteGreat post, Galen. What three wonderful words to remember when I think it is all about me and all about my issues...GET OVER IT!
ReplyDeleteI read something by Joel almost daily and I need to thank you for reminding me to eliminate some of the "trivia" in my life that feels so "heavy" because I won't let it go.
Always enjoy your posts.
Kathy, I might write these three words on a sticky note where I can see it all the time! Glad you liked the post. Thanks for your comment.
Delete"we can be pitiful or powerful."
ReplyDeleteSo true! I love the message of this post. :)
Thanks, Jessica!
DeleteGreat post! I got over my feeling of "not wanting to go do my day job today" by NOT GOING! I think we always have a choice. Our thoughts can often muddle our choices and make it hard to hear the one true voice that knows. Often it takes a message on a sign post or a fortune in a cookie to WAKE US UP to what we already, intuitively know! Your inspiring thoughts and words are like those sign posts and the preacher on TV. Thanks for passing this wisdom on.....
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I had a great image of breaking open a fortune cookie and finding the little piece of paper that says "Get over it!" Ha! Thanks for your comment.
DeleteAs always, well timed. I don't fester too long when I have something eating at me. I do fester, but after a while I feel it draining my energy and realize I have to move on and just get over it or just do it. It's not always easy, but I get there in the end.
ReplyDeletebrenda, I used to be a major fester-er, but not so much anymore. That's why this conversation and my obsessing over it was making me a bit crazy! I'm glad Joel stepped in at just the right moment. Thanks for your comment.
DeleteI hit a brick wall a couple of years ago and started the journey once again, to make my life work. After a year, the result was a meditation practice and awareness that the goal is peace no matter what is going in my life or around me. I don't feel that way all of the time, but enough...
ReplyDeleteCathy, When we can keep that goal of peace front and center, it helps, doesn't it?! I also try to start my day and end it with meditation. And mostly I stay in peace. But, as I admitted, not always. Like you, maybe enough....
DeleteThanks for commenting.
Freedom! Galen, Your blog has been doing wonderfully! Your post are well written relateable and to the point. Your readers love you! I love coming here and seeing such a long list of comments!
ReplyDeleteJodi, Wow, thank you for the very kind words. I'm grateful that readers with very different backgrounds and perspectives feel comfortable and welcome here. I always appreciate the comments! Including yours--thank you!
DeleteHi Galen
ReplyDeleteHanging on to negative stuff only brings you down. I have a friend that has a hard time letting go of our old work place that she has not been at for almost 3 years. I have been back twice, but have no intentions of ever going back if they asked me. It was a very negative place and she just doesn't seem to want to let the injustices done left to rest. But I just let her talk, somehow it helps her to vent. Today she called and mentioned very little about it, I guess that is a good sign. I had to learn to let a lot of stuff go. It destroys your spirit if it doesn't also ruin your health.
I had watched that video before...it makes our problems seem quite irrelevant in comparison to what he has to deal with on a daily basis. Thank God I have arms that sometime ache, thank God I have legs that sometimes hurt.
Mary