After more than 50 years, the doors of diplomacy have finally been reopened between the United States and Cuba. Unexpectedly brokered by Pope Francis in Vatican City, restorative efforts by both Presidents Barack Obama and Raul Castro have resulted in the call to the end of the U.S.-imposed trade embargo, the lifting of travel bans between the two countries, and reinstatement of their respective embassies. Assuredly, the pontiff’s first stop en route to America was Cuba.
With words of encouragement, Castro attested to Pope Francis’s triumph, avowing that he would consider returning to the faith in which he was born. The communist leader added that he would resume prayer again if the Pope continues in this vein. In a similarly poignant statement, President Obama was quoted as saying “you don’t have to be imprisoned by the past”, noting that President Eisenhower bolstered the severing of ties with Cuba in the same year that the current American president was born. The impasse of five decades no doubt resulted in economic, social and political disorder, with industries on both sides and the Hispanic populace bearing the burden and countless families torn apart.
Have you experienced or observed close relationships or families who are likewise unduly interned by the past? Equally devastating are those long-standing quarrels and generational wars that have been passed down through the ages, the true roots of which are unknown or have dissipated. Often, at the core, there is the needless legacy of mistake and misconstruction. Yet, due to faltered loyalty, spiritual blight or mere habit, ongoing feuds persist. Thus, tragic karma such as poverty, addictions or separation is recycled again and again. Today, the Lord is calling for restoration and the rebuking of ancestral strongholds that are keeping individuals, friendships and family units in abeyance. Not all will welcome repose, however, as consequential as two contending nations coming together, in His glory, He can reestablish all that the past has stolen. Simply ask in His name with a repentant heart and with praise.
Joel 2:25: “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten…”
God Works Always 
Just beautiful . Your words ring true of the old saying “don’t hold a grudge”. Letting go is the only way to move forward. To err is human, to forgive divine.
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True indeed, Kara. Remain blessed
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Let he who has ears hears what the “Spririt is saying”
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Amen and Amen sis. Remain blessed
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“Then he said, “Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.””
Mark 4:9 NLT
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Amen and amen!!!!! I thank God for this confirmation that He is going to free and deliver us/my family from age-old bondages and strongholds. I also thank God for the strengthening me to walk and operate fully in this state of restoration.
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Amen!!! Sis I know you have continuously stood on His Word and you’ve witnessed the miraculous. Walk in Faith and I pray along with you. Remain blessed!
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From Kara:
I woke up and read your post right away and I was still sleepy but your words made me think of forgiveness and moving forward. And how often innocent people are caught in someone else’s agenda (dogma to quote Steve jobs) or war. Also it’s so exciting to start my day with inspiration. Thank you for your thoughtful essays and for reminding us about God and our fellow humans. every day the news features awful stories about the terrible ways we treat each other and I often wonder what would happen if we could replace war and death and pain with love, kindness, sharing and humanity.
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Sis, I read this right on time for several reasons. God has been dealing with me to shred the layers and show his genuine spirit regardless of who is still in bondage. Lord I receive it in your holy name.
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Yes sis, we must live and pray in all supplication in Truth in order to see God’s mercy and blessings.
“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart:”
Proverbs 3:3 KJV
http://bible.com/1/pro.3.3.kjv
“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
Psalms 85:10 KJV
http://bible.com/1/psa.85.10.
“The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.”
Psalm 145:18 NIV
http://bible.com/111/psa.145.18.niv
“If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.”
1 John 1:6 NIV
http://bible.com/111/1jn.1.6.niv
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