Now, I know you’re itching to scroll right past this story, but give an old gal like me a chance, will ya? This isn’t just any ol’ tale. No, it’s a real story posted by someone, but their identity will be kept secret for obvious reasons. Believe me when I say, you don’t want to miss the moral of this one; it’s bound to touch your heart and remind you why we’re put here on God’s green earth.

Let’s dive right into it, shall we? Picture this: you move into a quaint little neighborhood, the kind that has front porches adorned with American flags (God bless our great country!) and neighborly waves over white picket fences. Roosevelt Street, let’s call it. It’s got a certain charm to it, and the sense of belonging settles into your bones almost immediately.

But lo and behold, one sunny Sunday, as you’re returning from church, you notice the house next door is no longer empty. Boxes, movers, the whole shebang. And who steps out but your worst nightmare from the golden age of high school – the bully who haunted your most formative years. Now, if that doesn’t make your heart skip a beat, I don’t know what will!

Let me tell you, confronting the ghosts of our past is no small feat. It’s liable to make a person lose sleep, think unrighteous thoughts, question all sorts of things. But here’s the kicker: this bully, in all her glory, is now trying to become part of your sacred church community. Now, isn’t that just something? Scourge of your teenage years wants to join hands in prayer and hymn. And you’re stuck right in the middle of it, equal parts fearful she’ll revert back to her old ways, and curious about why she’s really there.

First things first—we’re all God’s children, aren’t we? We all stray, some more than others, but we’ve got the same Father up there looking down at us. So, while it may be tempting to confront her with a fistful of the past, or avoid her like the plague, remember this: we’re taught to love our neighbors, to offer compassion, and give second chances. It’s not an easy pill to swallow, but some of the best lessons come from the most bitter ones.

Now, I remember back in ’72, I was working at the local diner—Pearl’s Diner, if you remember it. One day, a fellow walks in, brimming with arrogance, just radiating it like a neon sign. He was the man responsible for spreading a nasty rumor about my sister in high school. My first instinct was to spit in his coffee (thank the Lord I didn’t). Instead, I put on my best smile and served him, days on end. Guess what? It was a test. And the result? He turned out to be one of the most generous tippers and supporters of that little diner.

This brings me back to our current tale. Confronting or avoiding—the easy answers seem to lie in black and white, but life’s tapestry, woven by God Himself, is filled with colors and shades. Sometimes, being tested is part of His grand design, a chance to show our growth, our ability to forgive and, most importantly, to trust in His plan.

So, what would I do if I were in your shoes, faced with the prospect of a former tormentor moving in next door and joining my holy refuge? I’d pray, first and foremost. Seek guidance in the Good Book. Then, with a heart full of faith, I’d extend an olive branch. Welcome her with the grace that only someone who’s been touched by the Spirit can muster. Be vigilant, sure. We’re not called to be naive. But perhaps, in this twist of fate, there’s a lesson for both of you.

There’s a chance here for redemption, and not just for her, but for you as well. This isn’t just about tolerating someone’s presence; it’s about reflecting the love and patience that our Savior has shown every one of us. We might just find that, in offering forgiveness, we heal ourselves from the lingering wounds of the past. After all, isn’t that what makes our community and our faith so strong? God’s grace is more powerful than any high school bully.

So, dear reader, before you jump to conclusions or let fear dictate your actions, remember the story. Rejection and avoidance are easy paths, but they aren’t the paths meant for us folk who’ve seen the power of community and faith firsthand. God places people in our lives for a reason. Maybe, just maybe, she’s come back as a signal—a call to rise above, to cultivate forgiveness, and to let go of the past in favor of a more grace-filled future.

To whomever needed this advice, I hope it reaches your heart. It’s a real reminder that we wield the power of forgiveness, and through it, we find strength that’ll carry us through any storm. God bless you, and may His wisdom guide you always.