I was recently contacted by the organization “The Giving Keys.” They are a company that makes necklaces out of old keys whose mission is to inspire the world to pay it forward. They don’t just talk-the-talk; they walk-the-walk. They have a social impact employment model and every product they sell supports job creation for people transitioning out of homelessness. They’re not a nonprofit, but rather a social enterprise. They believe that job creation helps to break generational cycles of poverty and homelessness. Their mission is what made me interested in participating in their campaign when they reached out. Their campaigns are centered on different words they’ve pre-selected and one of those words, which resonated with me, was FORGIVENESS.
We are in the season where Christians all over the world are commemorating and celebrating the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, also known as Resurrection Sunday (Easter). The timing of “The Giving Keys” reaching out was not lost on me. They asked me to talk about the importance of forgiveness by wearing the necklace they sent, and then pay it forward by sharing a second necklace with someone else. I couldn’t help but think about how the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ represents the “key” to helping people forgive and, more importantly, the key that unlocks and opens up all possibilities.
We live in a world that can feel hopeless and lonely. People are hurting everywhere we look, but this isn’t new. Mankind has struggled since the beginning of time. The news can be depressing. Every time we turn on the television or our computers, we learn about another person being killed, the uncertainty of how our political leaders are handling world affairs, the rise in people living on the street and increased homelessness, hunger, sex trafficking, the lack of compassion and caring about humanity and the list goes on. But I say don’t despair, don’t give up or give in, there’s hope in the One who is the key and can unlock every hindrance in our lives. The choice is up to us if we are willing to accept what He has to offer. A life filled with hope and possibilities.
The world sees Easter as a time when everything comes alive again. Colors seem to be more vibrant and a freshness seems to blanket the earth. Trees begin to replenish their leaves, flowers begin to bloom, the sun seems to shine just a little brighter and people appear to smile after a gloomy winter. This is true for me as well, but not because of bunny rabbits and colorful eggs, but because I have the key that gives me hope and life. His name is Jesus. People who know my life story have often asked me how can you be happy and smile when you’ve experienced things that would make others angry and bitter? First of all, when I look at what some have experienced and endured, my life doesn’t seem so tragic, things could have been much worse, but no matter what any of us may have gone through or may even be experiencing right now, we are not alone and He is the key. Although I may not know what tomorrow holds, I do know who holds tomorrow.
So this Easter, or should I say Resurrection Sunday, I wish for you a world of possibilities and the key that unlocks any lock that may be holding you back from living the life that is meant for you. His name is Jesus.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on!
Visit www.WendyEnterprises.com and www.forgivingforliving.org. Wendy is an international coach, consultant and speaker. You may email her at [email protected].
