When you deal with young people who have been disappointed, deserted, or deprived of the godly example of an earthly father, you often have to deal with their spirit of hatred.

I realize that there are exceptions to every rule, but I think most

children get frustrated trying to hate a man that was responsible

for their birth, but their desire to love is greater. In my lifetime, I have seen people who have embraced a spirit of hatred and unless they

forgive, they become like the person to whom their hatred was directed.

Monday morning, coming back from an early morning Bible study group at Sno’s Restaurant in Gonzales, I was thinking about what I could write about in this week’s article. I stopped to get a cup of coffee at a place I occasionally frequent and the clerk greeted me with a pleasant, “Good morning, Mr. Keller!”

As I checked out, she yawned. I said, “Looks like you’re tired.” “I am,” she replied, “I went to visit my dad yesterday and got home late.” “Where does he live?” I asked. “Oh, he’s in prison at Hunt’s Correctional Center,” she answered.

I found out that her dad is in his mid-60s and has been incarcerated for 12 years. He will get out in 2012. She volunteered that he’s been in and out of jail most of his life.

I asked if she visited him often. “Every two weeks,” she replied. “Have you been doing this for 12 years?” I asked. “Yes,” she said. “He’s my dad.”

She never said she loved her dad, but she didn’t have to, because her actions speak louder than any words.

As we were ending our conversation, she said, “When he gets out, I hope he can enjoy his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren before he dies.

My unscheduled visit with the young lady was evident to me that, even though her earthly father was a failure, she chose to forgive and not harbor any resentment, knowing that her Heavenly Father will never leave her, nor forsake her.

I pray that this young lady’s testimony inspires children who have embraced the spirit of hatred to forgive and be set free from the bondage of unforgiveness.

If you have any questions, or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call (985) 652-8477, or e-mail: hkeller@comcast.net.