By Julie
Shortly after I found the Course and joined the Circle last year, we found out that the contractor — and family friend — who was hired to build my dad’s new cottage, had stolen $130,000 from us. This was the deposit, and so we had nothing in return but a bald patch of land next to our house. Making it worse, we had lost my mom to cancer, so getting this cottage built was a critical piece in moving my dad 1/2 way across the country to be with us and not alone.
With the help of the Course and the Forgiveness Challenge, I quickly (within days) forgave this man. I still marvel that I received so much help from the Holy Spirit. This goes to show that we are loved and helped unconditionally. I was so new to the Course; I hadn’t taken many steps on this path, and I hadn’t had to ‘earn’ anything. He was by my side and here to help me simply because I asked Him to.
This forgiveness was total even with the challenges. Over the course of 2024, we took on the massive effort (time, money, sweat) of building the cottage ourselves, dealt with the justice system (we did go to the police and press charges), and watched as this man fled (there is a warrant out for his arrest, but he is gone, gone, gone). And still, I was not full of vengeance, anger, spite, or fear. I stayed focused on my love for my dad and moved forward.
And, this husband of mine–he historically leans into anger and attack. And he was furious. But he also looked ahead. He wasn’t full of the fury I’ve seen when he’s been ‘done wrong by’ over the last many years. He doesn’t even know about the Course, but the miracle that I was integrating most surely filled our house and my husband. I have no doubt.
They say that an activity sure to destroy a marriage is a house remodel (and this was a complete build!). Yet, my husband has remarked to many people that some of his favorite moments from our 15-year marriage were putting down the wood floors together in the cottage. And I agree.
Yes, it was stressful. Things went wrong, but the timing had to be PERFECT to make it all work. My husband and my stepson both suffered injuries during the construction, the business that we run together took a hit as we couldn’t be in two places at once, and yet, and yet, and yet. We loved, we laughed, we yelled f*** many times, we learned a lot, we worked together, WE DID IT.
We finished the cottage in record time — 8 months. We live on an island where the average build time is 2 years if you’re lucky. We moved my dad here, only 3 weeks behind the original schedule, in August. He is so happy and relieved. It’s so fun to have him here. The cottage is beautiful and perfect — if I do say so myself!
Having lived for 50 years without the Course, I completely understand that all of this joy, faith, trust, generosity, and forgiveness — they were new, and they were from the Course. They led me through this challenging situation, and they came from God, A Course in Miracles, and the support I’ve received in this community,
I love God, and I love you all.
________________________________________________________________
It is not my own strength through which I forgive. It is through the strength of God in me, which I am remembering as I forgive. [CE W-60.2:1-3]
________________________________________________________________
If you enjoyed this story you might enjoy this one!
Or you may be interested in delving deeper into A Course in Miracles with a community.
