*Finding peace beyond offense* Dear Journal, I cannot take full credit for this piece—or any of the others. The Holy Spirit has been my source of inspiration and guidance. Forgive me for not giving credit to Him sooner. One of the ways I try to maintain my peace is by avoiding situations or individuals that trigger negative emotions. But I’ve come to realize that true peace isn’t just about avoiding triggers—it’s about addressing the root cause and responding with wisdom. I remember an incident that left me feeling deeply cheated and upset. In an attempt to protect my peace, I decided to distance myself from the people involved. Yet, despite the space, I still struggled to let go. The lack of an apology made it worse. Every time I saw or heard about them, the anger resurfaced, as if the wound had been reopened. After wrestling with these emotions for far too long, I knew I needed help. So, I turned to people whose perspectives aligned with mine. My eldest sister was direct—she called it a distraction and told me I didn’t have to allow it. Then PM gave me a new perspective. She told me not to focus on the people, but on the spirit influencing their actions. She reminded me that aside from praying for them, I needed to recognize that the enemy was working through them at that moment—and I had the power to disallow it. That made me think of Mark 8:29-32. In one breath, Jesus calls Peter “the rock,” and in the next, He rebukes him as “Satan.” Jesus wasn’t condemning Peter—He was addressing the influence behind Peter’s words. This changed everything for me. Maintaining peace isn’t about running from conflict—it’s about facing it with discernment, wisdom, and spiritual authority. So, if you’re struggling to let go of hurt, maybe it’s time to shift your focus too. Instead of dwelling on the person, recognize the bigger picture. Pray, release, and move forward in peace. Sending warm hugs to brighten your day😊 Love, _Aby💕_