don't be cruel

i was intrigued when i saw how the "bleeding hearts" plant looked. as you can see from the photograph, the flowers really look like hearts dripping with blood. neat, huh?

speaking of bleeding hearts. ever thought about what would hurt you most? what act of betrayal would wring your heart dry? what offense would you consider near-unpardonable? what would be the most cruel thing a friend or loved one could do to you?

i do not take offense quickly. whenever i'm slighted, i usually get over it after a couple of hours. i rarely hold grudges. and there are even times when i defend the very same people who hurt me. even when they are not aware that i do.

but i have my limits. and when i realize that someone is abusing my patience.. taking advantage of my silence.. or breaking my trust.. then my heart hardens. i can understand broken, fallen people. but cruel people, i have difficulty dealing with.

"If it were absolutely necessary to choose, I would rather be guilty of an immoral act than of a cruel one." (Anatole France) immoral acts may come from a lack of discipline or self control.. a "spur of the moment" kind of thing. but cruel acts are well-thought out and usually full of malice. immoral acts may leave one's heart scarred and hurting. but cruel acts make hearts bleed. and the irony of it all is that often, cruelty stems from "acts of kindness." disguised as well-intentioned actions. hidden behind smiles, words of wisdom and yes, even religion.

hmmm. the bleeding heart of Jesus. i'm sure it is well-acquainted with cruelty in all its forms. and i'm sure it also knows how to deal with the pain that cruel people inflict upon it. maybe this lenten season i, too, will know how. i'm keeping my fingers crossed on this one.