Can people change?
I believe that people can change. This coming from me, a believer in people, a rooter, is that even a word? Well it is now... a rooter of the underdog. Yes I believe people can change, but it's often very difficult.
Believing in someone is not for the weak, it can be highly disappointing to see the positives in someone's life and what is possible for their future that can start literally today, but for that same person to be stuck in the past, or unwilling to sever ties with that which holds him/her back. We are all guilty at some level of this, it's just to what degree. To some, life still functions with this inner turmoil, for some it does not, it overtakes and stops us in our tracks.
Why and how can that be that you can root someone on, but at the same time feel such disappointment, if you allow it? Because we want people to change more than they ever want it for themselves, or the demons they face are so much bigger than what they can handle alone. They alienate themselves from the very good they desire. They want change, but don't or can't embrace it.
Even the bible talks about this struggle in Romans 7. "I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 19For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. 20Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it.
So back to the question - can people change? Absolutely. The key is they only change when THEY are ready, willing and open to change. For some, drawing the line in the sand is too much to bare. You can see it for them. Your mind says on their behalf, "You got this! Draw the line. Step over here and start fresh. Nothing is holding you back." You can see, feel and know it to be fact, yet they return to that which they desire to walk away from.
Which leads me to another point. If you put your trust in people - they will disappoint again and again. Call it human nature. The only way around this disappointment is to be rooted in the right foundation. In the right foundation, we can remain strong, we can continue to be the rooter of good in people. We can believe and have faith, and not be personally attached to the outcome and we can always be reminded that prayer can change anything.
If you need change in your life, I will believe with you for it. You must be willing to take not only responsibility, but also action to change. Ask. Pray. Seek. Believe.
If you are the one rooting on another - never give up hope on what is possible. With God, all things are possible. All things. Here's to positive change in your life and remember that you can be the change you want to see in this world of yours.
