Forget about it

Have you ever been to New York City? It’s a great city full of interesting people, cultures, and attitudes. I love New York, and I love so many New Yorkers…especially some of my dear friends in a typically Italian neighborhood who love to say, “Fuhgeddaboudit.” That’s right: “Forget about it.” The meaning of this statement can fluctuate based on the context of the situation. It could mean, “Hey, don’t worry about it…it’s all good” or “I’d rather not talk about it, so back off.”

To be honest with you, I’ve needed all my skills in counseling and psychology to interpret a few interesting encounters. My big brother recently told me that I had “street smarts.” I guess he’s right because it only takes a few beatings to learn how to avoid fights and danger. So today, we’ll start a new series I call “Street Smarts.” 

friend, I have to confess that 2021 beat me up pretty badly. How about you? I was tempted to blame other people for my setbacks and pain, but I know that I will never grow if my eyes are fixed on blaming others. I made mistakes. Yikes, that’s hard for each of us to admit about ourselves, isn’t it? But, I did make mistakes and hurt myself and others. 

I hate making mistakes. Mistakes take us further than we want to go, cost us more than we want to spend, and keep us longer than we want to stay. The Apostle Paul said, “But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:13-14, NIV, bold added) friend, wouldn’t it be a shame to continue this trend from the past of mistakes and negative consequences?

I have some strategies that I’m going to use in 2022, and I’d like to share them with you this week. I can assure you that each strategy isn’t easy and will take hard work. It might not sound like much fun, but I can assure you—it will definitely be worth it! 

You can do it because you are a miracle.