To Margaret (Rick's Ex)

1999-2-22 04:01:00

A lot of the problems I have incurred in my life has been when I was attempting to help someone. It is unfortunate in life that it is more dangerous to help others than to do nothing. This is one of the reasons that good hearted people seen to have more trouble than the self involved.

Nevertheless, it is a price we must often pay for it just does not seem right to lend a helping hand when it is legitimately needed.

Now I am saddened by the fact that if Rick had just been selfish and refused to lend you a helping hand he would have avoided many problems. You would not be charging him with abuse, or whatever it is. He would have not been arrested and would perhaps be able to spend some extra money on his family rather than legal bills.

From Rick's letters to us before this incident we could tell that he was beside himself about handling your presence in his residence. It was obvious that it was producing a strain on him. For one thing he quit smoking and as soon as you moved in he started again.

From what I can tell Rick has a good heart and is sincerely trying to improve himself, but all of us, including you and me have limits which we must recognize and work with for if these limits are crossed problems occur, words are spoken, actions are committed that we will regret.

Even Jesus reached his limit when he overturned the tables, whipped the moneychangers and chased them out of the temple. If someone did that today in a church or synagogue people would think that a mad man had arrived and that's probably what they thought then.

I have a feeling that you believe in Christ. If you do Margaret I would advise you this. Withdraw your charges against Rick and forgive him any harm you believe he has done and find another place to live.

Your divorce is evidence that you should not live together so live apart and be good neighbors as the Master advises.

Did not Jesus command us to do good to your enemies, turn the other cheek, yield if you are taken to court? Forget how all of these things apply to Rick. Consider instead how they apply to you and your personal responsibility for forgiveness as it may relate to your own place in the eternal world.

You are the only one with the power to end this situation in peace and I believe that if you will listen to the Holy Spirit inside of you that you will hear the word "forgive" come into your heart and mind.