Sunday Reflection: From Bitter to Better
Orvin Kimbrough
CEO, Accidental Banker & Author — Helping Professionals Build Confidence, Own Their Story, Elevate, and Lead with Authenticity. Author of Twice Over a Man. Visit orvinkimbrough.com or theaccidentalbanker.com for more.
Today, I’m reflecting on Hebrews 12:12-15:
"Therefore, strengthen the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees, and make straight paths for your feet, so that what is lame may not be dislocated, but rather be healed. Pursue peace with all people, and holiness, without which no one will see the Lord; looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled."
This passage challenges us to examine the “roots” growing in our lives. A root of bitterness can spring up quietly but cause profound damage—both to ourselves and those around us. It can disrupt relationships, hinder our potential, and cloud our ability to move forward.
Bitterness often begins when we feel wronged—and perhaps we were. But if left unchecked, it festers, taking up space in our minds and hearts that could be used for creativity, peace, and growth.
Last year, I reflected on my nearly 30-year career and prayed over specific moments where bitterness may have taken root. These were instances that didn’t just feel wrong—they were wrong. I recalled moments at the start of my career where environments or interactions planted seeds of bitterness. While these seeds didn’t fully hold me back, the fruit they bore wasn’t good. So, I prayed for healing. I prayed for forgiveness—not for others’ sake, but for my own freedom.
Forgiveness isn’t always instantaneous; it’s often a process of prayer, reflection, and intentional release. But the rewards—freedom, peace, and clarity—are worth the effort.
Bitterness can arise even in subtle moments, like comments or actions that catch us off guard. Let me share a personal example. When I first joined the bank, a leader told me, “Any idiot can lead a bank.” In the moment, I didn’t know how to process the comment. Was it a microaggression? A subtle jab? Or something else? Rather than reacting, I filed it away. I refused to let it plant bitterness in my heart. Instead, I used it as fuel—not to prove that person wrong, but to focus on being better.
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Did you catch that? Bitterness could have zapped my energy and distracted me. But instead, I reframed it as a learning moment and a motivator.
Here’s the takeaway: You have a choice. You can let life’s injustices and unkindnesses hold you hostage, or you can let them refine you. When we forgive, when we let go, we allow God to work in our lives. We open the door for healing, peace, and ultimately, optimization in our personal and professional lives.
This week, consider reflecting on one experience that may have planted a seed of bitterness. What did it teach you? How might it shape your growth? Transform it into a moment of learning and resilience.
As you reflect, also take a moment to be grateful for the lessons life has taught you—both through joy and challenge. Gratitude can be the first step toward healing and transformation.
About Me:
Hi, I’m Orvin Kimbrough, volunteer, board director, chairman and CEO helping professionals scale confidence, leadership, and influence through mindset shifts, expanded networks, and bold action. I share insights on leadership, resilience, and personal growth—rooted in my journey from foster care to CEO. ?? Twice Over a Man – My recently released book is called inspiring, honest, and transformative. Readers describe it as a leadership manual wrapped in a powerful, relatable memoir of perseverance and faith.
For more Reflections (and broader lessons learned), visit orvinkimbrough.com
President @ Lang Insurance | Business Insurance, Life Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance, Group Benefits
1 个月Thanks for sharing
Account Executive at Unity Hospice
1 个月Well said Orvin
Construction Accountant experienced in Multi-State, Multi-Trade Union Payroll, Project Accounting, Accounts Payable and Human Resource Functions.
1 个月Bitterness creeps in so easily. For the past several weeks, I have been listening to positive affirmations every morning on my way to work to help me with any lurking bitterness, insecurities and negative thinking. At first, it was fun and easy, but boy oh boy, that bitterness sure does like to creep in. It is hard and takes purposeful intention and practice to change old habits from being angry or bitter to forgiveness and healing. Once I allow bitterness, anger or a bad mood to creep in, I've noticed how it negatively impacts my interactions with others. Energy level, forgiveness and how I'm coming across are areas that I've been working on lately, so posts such as these are helpful. I would love to hear more insights and stories from you on how to turn bitterness, negative thinking in a different direction. Thank you.
Growth-focused Talent Manager | Learning Consultant | DEI Leader| Organizational Development Leader | Public Speaker
1 个月Thanks so much for sharing Sir.
Superpower: Empowering Diverse Work Teams with Skills for Navigating Cross-cultural Conversations Increasing Productivity, Innovation and Profit.
1 个月I have a problem with the concept of forgiveness. Years ago, I asked my therapist at the time, “When will I be able to forgive my mom? I’m just so angry.” He said, “When you no longer need your anger.” I said, “I need my anger?” He said, “Anger happens because someone has overstepped into your space and a boundary needs to be set.” He was right. With his coaching, I learned to set boundaries with compassion; my anger eased off and understanding began to move in. It was not an overnight process. I had to figure out what I needed and what was mine to do. Eventually I could see both hers and my own humanity-all the broken and beautiful parts in there together. Then the forgiveness naturally showed up. Orvin, I think this is what you mean by “You can let life’s injustices and unkindnesses hold you hostage, or you can let them refine you.” Here’s a blog I wrote about how to manage up and set empowering boundaries: https://www.empoweringpartners.com/2023/10/manage-up/