I APOLOGIZE!! August 30, 2009

I think apologizing is one of the hardest things people can do. Some people can bungy jump off of bridges, some can jump off a cliff and dive head first into water, some can pierce and tattoo their faces, some can speak in front of thousands, others drag race up to speeds of over 100 miles per hour, but it amaze me well not really amaze but sadden me that saying something as simple as I apologize or I am sorry frighten most people to death. I think that it can be a couple of reasons why some people will not apologize. First, is pride. Pride can be an extremely dangerous thing. Pride is spoken about all through out the bible. People can do things and or say things that hurt other people and because of titles, status, or feeling superiority, arrogance or even thinking that another person(s) is inferior to them or unworthy, some are too prideful to apologize. Let me make myself very clear. I am not talking about the pride of self worth, dignity, or self respect. I think that sometimes people believe if they say sorry that they are belittling themselves. Another reason some do not apologize is fear. Fear is another thing that can hinder your growth in life. Fear can literally paralyze you and stump your growth. You can know that you need to apologize but fear of rejection. You can feel that you want to say sorry but what if that person does not accept your apology. You can have fear that it is too late to apologize. You might think that because you waited so long to apologize that that particular person(s) will never accept or acknowledge your apology. People do not apologize because it might mean that they have to admit that they were wrong about something. We all know how people have to be right about everything. I call those people know it alls! You mean to tell me that I am wrong, incorrect? I am not in conformity with the fact or truth and I have to apologize? I think another reason some people do not apologize is because of confrontation. For some they get really nervous, their hands get sweaty and they have to look that person in their face (preferably their eyes) and say sorry or I apologize. I will be the first to admit that there have been times where I did not want to apologize because of pride, shame, fear, and feeling that the person just plan out did not deserve an apology. There have been times where I had to apologize not because of what I said but because of the way that I said something to some one; the tone, body language, etc. But I sucked it up, pulled up my boot straps and apologized. At this stage in my life I have humbled myself a lot. It does not hurt or take away from me to say I am sorry and I was wrong and do you forgive me. I have had to humble myself and apologize to my daughter, husband, my mom, or even my dog. But I do it. Let me tell you about pride and fear. If you did something wrong to someone else and feel too cocky and you allow that ego (spirit) to come in and take over, I have news for you, you will be alone for many a days! You can lose out on some many great relationships, friendships, business opportunities, and so much more because you feel too big headed to apologize. Fear and procrastination can hold you back as well. The fear of rejection. You are more worried that the person will not accept your apology or will stop talking to you. Or fear of not knowing what to say. If your intentions behind the apology is sincere then apologize and face the consequences (if there are any) Fear in general will stop you from accomplishing things in life that you dream of, but that is another topic. Sometimes you can have all of this fear and anxiety built up and when you say those two words, that person would instantly forgive you, give you a hug, or say okay that is all that I wanted and we can now move forward. If you are reading my blog and you are one of those persons that I am talking about, stop reading this blog and get up and tell that person you apologize or you are sorry. If they are not there call them, write them but tell them you are sorry now. You never know what a simple apology can do for some one. Please DO NOT TEXT AN APOLOGY! THAT IS SO TACKY AND COWARDLY! If you are sitting here and say well I have not done anything wrong to anyone then look in the mirror and apologize to yourself. There are plenty of times when we are too hard on ourselves and call our selves names and we do not apologize. Again if you feel you do not owe yourself an apology, then get on your knees and apologize to God for the sins you may have committed. Apologize for the ones you know about and the ones you are unaware of. On that note I am going to take my own advise and start to pray.