"Forgetting the Past, Accepting the Present"

By: Mary Ann Mallorca
(Adopted from: A Purpose Driven Life)

Everyone’s life is driven by something. Whether you are studying, driving a car or playing something, you are guiding, controlling and directing it at that moment.

Right now, you may be driven by a problem, a pressure a pain, or heartache. You may be driven by a painful memory, a haunting fear, or an unconscious belief. There are hundreds of circumstances and emotions that can drive your life. Just like many people are driven by guilt. They spend their entire lives running from regrets and hiding their shame. Guilt-driven people are manipulated by memories. They allow their past to control their future. They often unconsciously punish themselves by sabotaging their own success. We are products of our past, but we don’t have to be a prisoner of it. Some people are driven by anger. They hold on to hurts and never get over them. Instead of releasing their pain through forgiveness, they rehearse it over and over in their minds. Those who have hurt you in the past cannot continue to hurt you, unless you hold on to the pain. Your past is past, and nothing will change it. You are only hurting yourself with your bitterness. For your own sake, learn from it and then let it go.  Some people are driven with fear.  Their fears may be a result of a traumatic experience, disappointments, rejections, discriminations, and unrealistic expectations. Regardless of the cause, fear-driven people often miss opportunities because they’re afraid to venture out. Fear is a self-imposed prison that will keep you from becoming what God intends you to be. You must move against it with the weapons of faith and love. Lastly, we are driven by the need of approval. They allow the expectations of parents, teachers and friends to control their lives. Others are driven by peer pressure. Always worried by others might think. Unfortunately, those who follow the crowd usually get lost in it. I don’t know all the keys to success but one key to failure is to try to please everyone. Being controlled by the opinions of others is a guaranteed way to miss God’s purposes for our life. Just live with F.A.C.T..

F-orget the past

A-ccept the present

C-hange the future

T-hen smile. J

Live with F.A.C.T.  It’s just a simple advice but it helps a lot.