Griffin Speaks

THE POWER TO ACCEPT

“God grant me the serenity to ACCEPT the things that I cannot change…

Courage to change the things that I can and the wisdom to know the difference.” When a person learns how to accept things that they cannot change they receive a great power. A power that I have had the opportunity to witness first hand during my visits to “Death Row” at Holman Prison in Atmore, Alabama. 

During the Siegelman administration I was required to interview death row inmates for clemency consideration just prior to their execution. Expecting these inmates to be kicking and screaming I saw just the opposite. I saw inmates that had basically accepted their fate. While they hoped for the best they were prepared for the worst. All of them were executed within a few days of my visit. 

Acceptance is the ability to endure without protest, to let go of unrealistic expectations, coming to terms with reality no matter how unfair or bad it may be. Funerals help families accept the death of their loved ones. Once a family accepts the death of their loved one they begin to feel better. Once a spouse accepts the dissolution of their marriage they begin to feel better. Once you accept anything that happens in your life you inevitably overcome it. Therein lies the power of acceptance. 

Some people go through life never accepting themselves. They never feel satisfied because they simply have never accepted themselves. Money, power and fame are never enough for the persons who have not accepted themselves. Some people have mastered the ability to accept. Others have a much harder time. 

Begin to accept that whatever happens in your life is part of God’s master plan. If you believe and never doubt he will give you the ability to make any situation work to your advantage. Accept what happens to you and do not waste time or energy on thinking that the situation should not be as it is. The Bible is full of examples of the power of acceptance: “ turn the other cheek”; lean not unto your own understanding…” 

When the doctor tells you that you only have a few months to live, accept it. Whatever happens accept it. Accepting what happens to you doesn’t mean that you should not seek medical treatment or try to overcome unfortunate situations.  What it means is that if you accept what happens to you in your life and let go and let God you will master any situation that comes your way. 

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com