The Family Fued

Like the great majority of Eastern Kentucky, or at least the majority of the people on my Facebook news feed, I've been enthralled by the History Channel's mini-series depicting the Hatfield and McCoy family fued.  Growing up not too far from Pike County, I was raised hearing of this famous family fued, which tied in well with the history of Bloody Breathitt.  Unlike most, I waited until the full series was on DVR, and then watched it with Kami.  We have about an hour left in the last series, but it's fresh on my mind.

Caleb asked me last night, "Why are they all killing each other?" and I didn't really have an answer.  To us, it is impossible to imagine, but during that time, shortly after the Civil War, it was much the same here in Breathitt County.  It didn't take much to make a Mountain man pull out his shotgun...

All I know is it doesn't take much.  We may not pull out shotguns and pistols now a days, but we can hold grudges with the best of them. If one of those family members had put aside their pride, humbled themselves and shown love, the story might have been different.  That is sometimes the hardest thing for us to do.  We think we've forgotten, then something is said or done and it is right back in the forefront of our mind. 

The mini-series was violent, reflective of the actions of those men from long ago.  It was sad, as well, because so much of it could have been prevented.  While we may not shoot each other, sometimes our actions when we don't forgive are just as emotionally hurtful to one another. Rejection... sarcasm.  Hateful tones and disrespectful attitudes.  And often, unlike the family fued depicted, these actions are toward those we are supposed to love the most. 

"In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry,"- Ephesians 4:26.  Say you're sorry... and accept someone's apology.  And forgive yourself...You never know when it's your last chance.