RELATIONSHIPS October 27, 2008 Issue

UNFAIRLY TREATED? DON'T BE TRICKED

GARY JONES

SAY YOU'VE BEEN TREATED dishonestly and are likely to suffer adversity and financial loss. Maybe you've been fooled by the promises of an aggressive telemarketer. Or the money you've given to an investment adviser has been misused. Or you were misled about the terms of your mortgage when you bought your home. In essence, you feel victimized and used by circumstances.

The response to these scenarios is often frustration and anger. And what follows are conflict and distress. But do you have to accept that you're a victim? By turning to prayer, I've found it possible to escape that outcome.

Bible stories are a good place to begin. One of the most memorable ones is about two brothers, Jacob and Esau, who finally unite after deception tears them apart. Jacob not only shamefully obtains the inheritance rights of his brother, but steals Esau's blessing from their father, Isaac. As a result, Esau hates Jacob and aims to kill him.