Author: Jason Ray France

Only Love: A Life Lesson About Hatred


There is wisdom in all of us. Enjoy this fictional story based on real life experiences.


Glenda had a cheerful, friendly, and bubbly personality. Most everyone liked to be around her. She was usually so radiant that it lifted everyone's spirits. She also had a child like quality to her that made her even more lovable. She was a little on the plump side, but she always said that this made for extra comfy hugs. She had a couple of rough and tumble sons, but everyone knew that her little daughter, Sadie, was her prized jewel. There was only one person in town that Glenda didn't like, and she made no secret of it. He was mean, cheap, old Mr. Bains. She sold produce from her garden, and he never wanted to pay full price. She finally stopped doing business with him and told everyone else that she knew not to either.


There were often floods in the area, so no one was surprised when another alert went out. Nevertheless, Glenda decided that she had better close up her little roadside garden stand early and head on home. She was especially concerned because they had to cross a wash in order to get back to their side of town. Sadie was usually with her, because she hadn't started school yet, and this day was no different. When they approached the wash in their small truck, it was still dry and looked safe, so Glenda went ahead and ventured across. Mr. Bains always walked home from his job at the local post office. This is why he used to stop by Glenda's Garden Stand on the way. He had also left early due to the flood warnings, and was just coming up to the wash on the other side, while Glenda began to cross. They exchanged polite waves despite the recent tensions between them.


The quiet of this country day was abruptly disturbed by the sound of the rushing flood. Glenda saw the wall of water coming straight for them, and attempted to grab Sadie, who wasn't wearing a seat belt. It all happened too quickly, and Sadie was yanked away by the sudden surge. She ended up on the opposite side of the wash, holding to a low hanging tree branch with all of her might. Mr. Bains ran to Sadie's aid, while Glenda climbed to the top of the truck, now lodged in the middle of the raging wash. By now, several other people had gathered on both sides. Mr. Bains leaned over on the ground and reached over for Sadie, but he couldn't quite grab her. He could still save her, but she would need to reach out and take his hand.


Everyone was frantically yelling for Sadie to take his hand, including Glenda. Sadie just kept crying and shaking her head. " I can't," she whimpered, "Momma says to stay away from you!" Mr. Bains pleaded with her, hoping to convince her that it would be okay with Momma, but Sadie wanted to be a good girl. She had heard Momma telling everyone in town that he was a bad man that couldn't be trusted. She held on for everything that she was worth, but she was no match for the powerful current. It showed no mercy as it took her helpless little body and tossed it over the rocks, logs, and debris. Mr. Bains hung his head down and cried. Glenda called out Sadie"s name and screamed out in agony, asking God what He had done.


Lesson Summary: Judgement hurts everyone, but it always hurts the person making the judgements most of all. Hate is like a cancer that eats you up inside, while love is the only thing that can heal the hurting heart. Make a conscious choice to show love instead of breeding contempt.


Life Action: When you don't understand someone, show them some understanding anyway.*


*For more free inspiration, go to Sage Scrolls International at http://jasonrayfrance.webs.com/. Owner, Jason Ray France, is also the Host of the Sage Round Table, and Founder of The Sage Network. To manage his lifelong challenges with anxiety and depression, he specialized in Life Mastery. He teaches that there is wisdom in all of us and promotes a world of healing, openness, and inspiration.