Jumpline MAG_Winter 2026 - Flipbook - Page 19
Johnny Medero
MDFR Chaplaincy
Chaplain‘s Corner
19
The
Cold War
My esteemed brothers and sisters, you
are an elite class of 昀椀ne individuals, who
come together as a unit willing to risk their
lives for the greater good. Yeah that’s right,
I’m rizzing you! You are awesome, and I love
y’all. As beautiful as that sounds, we need to be
rescued as well. There’s a war for our hearts and it’s
a cold one.
of the
Heart
The power of the human heart lies in its profound capacity for healing, particularly from
trauma. When confronted with deep pain, we face a critical
choice: to let a “root of bitterness” take hold or to pursue a
path of freedom. Like a poison, bitterness consumes the host,
trapping an individual in a self-in昀氀icted prison of resentment
that stunts personal growth and well-being. In contrast, the intentional act of forgiveness sets the heart free.
Forgiveness does not mean condoning wrongdoing or forgetting the pain. It is a deliberate decision to release the hold
that the offense has on you.
After enduring 27 years of imprisonment, Nelson Mandela
famously embodied this truth, with the statement, “As I walked
out the door toward the gate that would
lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t
leave my bitterness and hatred behind,
I’d still be in prison.” This conscious letting
go frees the mind and spirit, offering a path
toward peace and improved health by reducing
stress and anxiety.
The Bible provides a powerful guide for this process,
warning against a “root of bitterness springing up [that can]
cause trouble” (Hebrews 12:15). Instead, it calls us to “Be kind
and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just
as in God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32). This instruction highlights that forgiveness is rooted in recognizing
the mercy one has received and extending that same grace
to others.
Whatever you believe in you cannot ignore the
profound power of forgiveness. By choosing this path,
the heart is no longer de昀椀ned by its past wounds but is empowered to embrace a future of healing, hope, and liberation.
Spread that love and give a hug to someone.
Much love y’all and God bless.
Forgiveness does not mean condoning
wrongdoing or forgetting the pain.
It is a deliberate decision to release the hold that
the offense has on you.
Winter 2025 | JUMPLINE Magazine
