I was deeply moved by watching this clip. I will let it speak for itself, but would really value your response.
Do you know someone who has hugged the cactus too long and needs your forgiveness?
Do you know people who seem to relish hugging the cactus?
Are you hugging a cactus?
How much courage do you think it took for Robert Downy Jr to do this?
How much courage did it take for Mel Gibson to accept?
Comments
I..ah…wow. Interesting video. There are too many people we encounter in life that not only like “hugging the cactus,” but seem to have handcuffed themselves to the buggers.
As a Christian, I am commanded to forgive. I find that the closer I walk with Jesus, the easier that command is to follow.
I will start carrying around a pair of plyers to help remove the thorns from those I encounter.
Thanks David, Sometimes easier to forgive others than ourselves.
ABSOLUTELY easier to forgive others! Dear Lord, in your mercy, please let this be the year I learn to live dethorned. (from Terry @apostlethatrox)
Wow. i love the sentiment. Makes me wonder if I’d be able to be so generous or forgiving. I hadn’t seen this, thanks for sharing it.
Phyllis, What is interesting is that Robert Downey was not forgiving Gibson of wrongs done to him, but asking others to forgive Gibson of the wrongs done to others. It’s certainly is a fascinating video. Thank you for commenting
having grown up in 12 step rooms, I ‘get’ this. I love it Ken, thank you.
one more comment — even worse are those who would rather cling to “hugging the cactus” than allowing themselves to be forgiven. Don’t know if it’s pride, fear or both — but they do it and they miss out.
Deana, My guess is that it is both. Not from experience of course. (-;
I don’t know about you, but I’ve spent way too much time hugging a cactus. A good reminder Ken!
Been there and done that! Saguaro and prickly pear are my favorites.
Wow! That was really interesting. I might have to chew on that a little and get back to you. It takes great strength and vulnerability to hug the cactus. But, I also think it is even more difficult to let go of the cactus, accept forgiveness, and start to heal from the scars.
Erica, I wholeheartedly agree.
Awesome Ken! Great to see humility in two of my favorite actors and in front of the entertainment community. I have been “hugging the cactus” way to long. Everyone forgives me and all past mistakes and failures are in the past…I still have a hard time forgiving myself! Seeking God to help me to let go. Thanks again Ken!
Marty, Hollywood and sometimes the church eats it’s wounded alive. This was so refreshing. I was convicted to forgive!
I absolutely think this video is worth everyone watching. I wonder how the people in the audience felt? The truth is…we all have really ugly moments. What would it be like if the whole world say yours? Forgiveness is one of the things this world is in short supply of. Thanks Kenneth!!
Your welcome, Joyful
Great stuff. Thank you for the boldness to share.
Sundi, Old = Bold Really! How’s that book doing?
Well – “Dear Dad,” my first published book is coming out in April. Been really focusing on that. Excited to see what God does. And praying about attending your SCORRE conference in May.
I think it took a lot for Robert Downey Jr to get up there and let himself be vulnerable in front of these individuals, and very gutsy to surprise Mel Gibson this way. Well done. And well done by Gibson to stay, listen, and to hug Downey. I would have loved to have seen the reaction of Gibson and the audience after the hug.
I think it took a lot for Robert Downey Jr to get up there and let himself be vulnerable in front of these individuals, and very gutsy to surprise Mel Gibson this way. Well done. And well done by Gibson to stay, listen, and to hug Downey. I would have loved to have seen the reaction of Gibson and the audience after the hug.
Powerful video, Ken. Thank you for sharing. Forgiveness is a powerful choice. I know a little something about that.
Finally. I have always liked Mel, and have prayed for this validation, to show his good heart. It’s good to see hollywood people being real, and pointing their thankfulness and praise upward, at least in the right direction.
I’m late to the discussion, but wow. Made my husband come in from another room. How often have I been that audience member feeling superior because I didn’t suffer from that particular sin? That cactus? She’s a log in my eye…
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Late to the game, but my heart swells for the lesson here. Thanks for sharing this, Ken. I look forward to linking back to this post in the week to come on my blog. Be well.
Wow, this was amazing. I just finished watching Fully Alive on Netflix and immediately came to this sight. I have already posted this video to my facebook timeline. Great stuff..We all need to forgive and as you said, Ken, not eat people alive for making the same mistakes we have made all our lives and just not had them in the limelight! Brave and moving video..thank you for sharing!
Hugging a cactus hurts maybe less maybe more than admitting we have things in our lives that are leading towards death. Hugging the cactus gets us to the place of recognizing these things. At some point we need to let go of the cactus (the act of forgiveness).
In the context of these two actors, it was very brave of RDJ to stand up in front of his peers and do that.
guilt and shame are the chains that keep people on the cactus.
We hear SO much negativity from the entertainment industry, I LOVE finding out that these two men support each other in this way AND are man enough to share it publicly so that others may be enriched and encouraged by their good examples and humility. I pray for them both and all of us. Yea, Mel & Robert! Keep humble and close to our God.