A heart-rending scene in the movie Forrest Gump elicits uncomfortable emotions every time I revisit the movie. Why? Because I relate to Jenny—the young woman who returns to her family home only to be reminded of the pain and destructive secrets experienced in a place that should have been one of innocence and laughter.
Pausing, Jenny leans almost involuntarily toward the ground where her hand wraps itself around something solid…indestructible. Determinedly, she hurls a rock at the faded, abandoned home in the distance. Glass shatters and one rock after another finds its mark—again and again–until Jenny presses her heaving body against the earth in exhaustion.
“Sometimes,” her companion laments, “I guess there just aren’t enough rocks.”
Do you find purchase with those words, dear Friend? Can you understand how deep a wound this woman may have experienced?
And you—what about you?
Do you carry around scars, too? Maybe your hurts grew in the promising relationship of marriage. Oh, the hope you had the day you pronounced your love for one another. Now, perhaps, the dreams have all but disappeared and you wonder if your aching heart can bear the loneliness any longer.
Or, it could be that the dreams you held for your child have been destroyed. An imposter stepped in and occupied their place—substance abuse…depression….a precious one’s death.
Maybe your hurts were borne in a moment of a friend’s unwarranted betrayal…a workplace disagreement…or, perhaps, even at the hands of other Christians.
Oh, yes. The pain is real.
But what I know? Throwing rocks will not relieve the ache. The stinging words of retort meant to shame our offender…the dissolution of an unfulfilling relationship for another…the temporary solace found in a habit turned master—none of these “rocks” provide lasting satisfaction. Instead, these stones will hang heavy like a weight—gradually pulling us deeper into resentment…remorse…regret.
But The Rock? He is the place of refuge…restoration…renewal. If we just unfurl those tightly curled fists and allow the rocks to tumble to the ground—each bitter thought and every cry of the heart—our faith will grow bigger, our hope greater, and our love deeper.
Scripture to Study (Genesis 38-46)
Consider Joseph’s story.
Because he was his father’s favorite, Joseph’s brother stripped him of dignity, threw him into the bowels of a pit, and sold him for next to nothing to slave traders. Remarkably, Joseph survived—and he survived without allowing hatred to implant itself in the dark places of his heart.
Instead, Joseph chose forgiveness. Beautiful, undeserved forgiveness.
Joseph decided upon generosity. Life-giving, beyond expectation liberality.
The one who had been cast aside offered grace. Bountiful, unwarranted blessing.
-How do you imagine you would have reacted in Joseph’s situation?
-What is your response to those who have caused wounds in your life?
-Do your thoughts or actions align with the truth of who God says He is?
-What one step can you take today to let go of your grasp on a past hurt?
