I want to share a journey I just had. It was a religious journey, but, an enlightening one. I hope that you will also find it enlightening.

Last year, I was surrounded by friends I have had for years. When they called me to prepare meals, I would go to the store, purchase the food, prepare it, and delivered it to them. Not once did I ask for a cent in return, not once did I require anything in return. If they needed anything and I had it to give, I would always share.

We were friends. That meant to me that when my friends need me, I should be there. I didn't have much at the time, as all I could offer was my friendship, loyalty, support, and undying love.

One day, to my surprise, one of my published books earned for me media attention. I was literally in a state of shock to see it, as tears streamed joyfully down my face. I thought to myself...I finally made it. That was the first time I was mentally aware of what I have accomplished.

My friends all seemed supportive at first, however, a dark side soon surfaced. They started off telling people that I am a kind and considerate person. Then, the stories changed dramatically to I am everything, but, the child of God.

Hearing these innuendoes hurt me right to my heart. I lost some readers and clientele in my daycare, as a result. To think, the people I have chosen for friends were behind it, was the ultimate betrayal. I knew then that betrayal hurts worse than love and that maybe there was some resentment there because of the attention I had been getting.

They created false police reports, thus, the police placed warrants for my arrest. When I heard of such charges, I immediately went into the police station to clarify. I told my story to the police and the police contacted them by phone to verify their complaint.

They had so many inconsistencies in their story that the police canceled the warrant and let me go with a court date. I had to hire an attorney because they made me out to be a hardened criminal. Needless to say, since they lied, they did not show up in court and the charges were dropped. I could have taken them to court for slander, but, I did not want to hurt them in the way that they tried to hurt me. I felt that I would best hurt them by leaving them alone and so I did.

I tried salvaging the friendships I thought were worth it, but, they could not understand because of my newfound profession, I could not afford the drama. To them, I was being arrogant. They could not see that this is my life now. I started to ponder all the things I had done for them and why would they do what they did. I could not figure it out, so I dismissed it.

I started to focus on me and rebuild what was torn down by the rumors and has taken me quite some time, as I am still rebuilding. I prayed about it and asked God to deliver me, to show them my pain, and to forgive them for what they have done.

I have seen them on the streets and they are adamant about becoming friends again. I am no fool, so I just declined.

Now, a year later...as I am still rebuilding, I found myself angry with God. It was this day I realized that after all that they did to me, here it is they have built an empire, while I am still rebuilding what they've damaged. I was furious!

I asked, "how can they do so much damage and cause so much pain to someone whose intentions were honorable and become successful in the end, while I am still picking up the pieces?" I was so hurt that I was two seconds away from denouncing God.

You know what? A phone call came through and the person told me that my old friends got robbed of everything and all of them were present at the time of the robbery. I didn't know if to feel relieved or sorry. So, I asked did anyone get hurt? I was relieved to know no one did and ironically, was sorry that it happened to them.

It seems that all that they have taken from me by telling untruths, was then taken from them in that robbery. What comes around, goes around. I knew that at that time, they felt my pain.

You see, we learn that sticks and stones may break your bones, but, words will never hurt you. I beg to differ. Sometimes, words hurt more than the sticks and stones, as words can cut like a knife. Words, when used in a reckless and slanderous way, can bring down a fortress.

Just when I was about to denounce God, Just when I was losing my faith, just when I was giving up, just when I thought I would not receive justice, someone called. That phone call let me know that God is working in my life. That he did not let the unjust go. I started to remember the scripture...if the just must suffer, how much more will the unjust suffer also.

Whatever you do, make sure you are the side of the just. You see, I thought I wanted them to suffer for what they did, but, I didn't. I realized all I wanted was for my heavenly Father to intervene on my behalf. I could have done it in court, but, I asked my heavenly Father and he came right on time. Thanks for reading and many blessings to you and your family.