I chose to use light as my perspective altering medium because of light's direct connection to truth and righteousness. The more pure light that is shed on a situation, the more clear and apparent that situation becomes. Have you ever had your words twisted out of context? Of course you have. Has someone you love(d) ever believed words twisted against you? Of course you have. Have you ever believed words twisted against another? Of course you have. We each make irrational decisions based on incomplete information everyday. We judge a friend to be red because the light above is red, when in reality that friend's actions/intentions were white and pure. We are not horrible people because we misjudge; merely we lack charity to see clearly, not just the situation, but the people involved.
Too recently I was involved in a situation where my words were taken our of context, twisted, invented, and falsified. Unfortunately, a family who I viewed as kin, fell under the manipulation of one who portrayed me in such horrible light,that they were compelled to end seven years of friendship. Had those words of 'mine' been true, they absolutely would have been justified in ending our relationship. Had my intent been truly malicious, they would have been wise to never trust me again. Had they not judged me guilty before seeing the situation from my perspective, they would not have lost $30,000. Had they utilized more charity in their perception of the situation, then I would still enjoy the associations of the majority of what once were my friends.
It has been a year now since my world came crashing down. I have moved through the gall of bitterness, passed through severe depression, trudged through hopelessness, crawled through uncertainty, and have at last re-emerged with charity in my heart once more. Where I once wished all pain they caused me to be laid upon their heads, I now pray for their lives to be filled with joy and peace. Do not mistake my intentions. I do not wish to boast that I am more than they because I have forgiven where they may have not. I wish only to show the path of enlightenment that I endured, and that I have finally rid myself of the black guile that I once harbored in my heart. Though I can no longer trust them, I also have forgiven them. Though I have no desire to rekindle our lost friendship, I love them despite.
It is true when I say, the innocent suffer the most. My situation is not unique. Misconceptions occur daily. Feelings are hurt; friendships are strained. Charity is the pure love of Christ. Had the Savior been present, his charity would have pierced the lies to view what was in my heart. He would have known the depth of love that I held for my friends. Had my friends truly loved me, they would have seen through the lies as well. They would have understood that I could not do the things I was accused of. Had I more charity, I would have understood the pressures that my friends were under. Had I more charity, I would have not fallen into a seemingly endless abyss of hatred toward them. Had I more charity, a year ago I would have been where I stand now. With more charity, what pain could you have avoided? With more charity, what future pain can you still avoid?
My hope in writing this is two fold. One, that I might have closure. Two, that someone who reads this may find wisdom in the words of another's experience. Maybe they can avoid the pain that I suffered. Life is short, do not waste it living with hatred in you heart. Increase your charity that you may not be offended so easily. Work towards understanding that your judgments may be righteous. Understand that there is always another perspective.
