I think even God is (by His own choice) powerless against free will when it refuses to allow Him in. We can't change the behaviour and choices of other people - and I don't think God will either until specifically asked by the people making those choices. We can only stand by and continue to pray that their hearts WILL change to allow Him to intervene. I don't think He will break His own promise of free will.

Eagle,
You're right, IMO. That post should've read: U R NOT alone.
I've corrected it. There are some nasty people around; problem is they're always harming sweet, innocent folks. And that's
difficult to see. You have a great 4th and a happy, happy
birthday!

Thank you, Jabber! Yes, it's difficult to have to watch kind people being mistreated in any way and feel so helpless. Allowing others to be who they are is perhaps one of the most difficult challenges...I keep trying to imagine God doing that, which He does, right? It really does give me a glimpse into the depths of His Love, that He cherishes us so much that He allows us all the time, space, free will and free reign to live, err, rebel, wound, stray and fall as we make our way through. I keep telling Him to knock me over the head with His shoe to wake me up and/or redirect me, but He seems to have all the patience in the world to allow me to fumble my way through...I think that all of the crap that we go through helps us to evolve the unique character traits and skill sets that He knows we need in order to continue fulfilling our purpose here. I know that much of what I've gone through in the past now allows me to help others in ways that otherwise could not have been possible.

Again, we just cannot underestimate the ripple effect of our lives or of the choices we make. Yes, we are impacted by the negative behaviours and choices, but we must persevere in counteracting that by rippling out kindness, light, gratitude and positivity as much as possible, even if only through our prayers.

Your birthday wishes have rippled joy into my heart, because it really makes my heart sing to be remembered. Thank you.

Eagle,
That is a huge help to me, "focusing on free will." And I heard
a sermon about how God already has our "winning" planned out.
Before we enter the trials of life, He has our success mapped
and our route, routed. So says the preacher!