Thursday, October 17, 2013

How The Hate We Carry Can Burden Us.



A kindergarten teacher has decided to let her class play a game.


The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates, so the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.


So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had 2 potatoes; some 3 while some up to 5 potatoes.

The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go (even to the toilet) for 1 week.

Days after days passed by, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes. Besides, those having 5 potatoes also had to carry heavier bags. After 1 week, the children were relieved because the game had finally ended.

The teacher asked: "How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for 1 week?" The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.

Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will carry it with you wherever you go. If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you imagine what is it like to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime?"

Moral of the story:

Throw away any hatred for anyone from your heart so that you will not carry sins for a lifetime. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take!

67 comments:

Anonymous said...

Brilliant .

Anonymous said...

Beautiful

Anonymous said...

A very creative way of teaching everyone that hatred for a long time is not good.

Anonymous said...

Love it, I shall tell my daughter who teaches first grade to do it... They would never be able to carry potatoes around for one week, maybe one, not five.

Anonymous said...

Brilliant teacher

Anonymous said...

Nice game! But if I could throw away the hatred in my heart I would have a long time ago

Anonymous said...

sumtyms its easier sed thn dne esp wen u've been hurt constantly by dat 1 person :'(

Anonymous said...

Have you ever thought about hate. Why do you hate. What good is it doing you what harm is it causing you What is it doing to your heart and health, If you hate and do not forgive, God cannot forgive you...and what does that mean...if you cannot be forgiven..you do not go to Heaven Is hating worth going to hell...I think not!!!

Unknown said...

That is a wonderful way of getting children (and others) to understand what hatred does to you. A clear message.

Anonymous said...

I think the teacher is brilliant. Do you think she could also teach how to let go of hate and forgive, while still not letting poisonous people that have hurt you and been evil to you back into your life? If so, sign me up.

Anonymous said...

I hope the children learned from this game. It was a very good idea. Their teacher is very special.I hope they learned that hatred is very bad for your health and who you are as a person. Release the hatred from your heart. Learn to forgive and love. Love is amazing

Anonymous said...

How do you let it go and forgive?

Anonymous said...

We cannot enjoy life if we have hatred in our hearts. God is love and we have to love one another. Forgive others and you will have a happier life and enjoy life more.

Anonymous said...

Lifes to short for hate just let it go

Anonymous said...

Wow!

Unknown said...

Love this!

Charcoal said...

WOW!! The teacher is brilliant! Do you think she could teach to some people how to at least be civil, and to teach others how to not let toxic people that have hurt you and been evil/wicked/mean/nasty to you ‘control’ your every day/emotion/movement/event?

Charcoal said...

This game should be played in later grades in elementary and in junior high and even high school. it wouldn't hurt for some adults to have to play this game as well.

Anonymous said...

Hatred consumes your heart and can control your life with anger if u let it. It is very difficult to let go and forgive when someone has hurt u so badly. I know because I went through it and still am. When I think positive and just get on with life and take each day as it comes I feel so happy and so alive. I feel like I haven't a care in the world. Then when I do get my down days thinkin of all the hurt and punishment I went through I feel angry with my hurt. I will push all the closest people away from me and want to be left alone and really be sick of my life. That's not a nice way to be though. They only do be trying to help me but with me keep thinking that other people have done to me I took the spite out on the people who actually love me and care for me. So I've learned from my experience that hate is not nice and I know its hard but ya have to let go. Forgive and forget. That doesn't mean the person that hurt u will ever change or even feel sorry for there actions but its not about them its about yourself. U have control over your own life and other people cannot bring u down unless u let them. So forgive them and that way u will feel happier in yourself and move forward with your life feeling happy. U need to love yourself and respect- yourself. We all deserve to be happy we all struggle with people that hurt us so that's were u have to take the first step and say right there not going to hurt me no more I forgive them and I'm moving on with my life and I am going to be happy because I deserve it!!!!! God bless u all and fill your hearts with love and happiness xxxx

Anonymous said...

I totally understand what your going through I have experienced hatred myself towards a family member who hurt me so many times, I wanted her to die! I hated her for three months and let me tell you, they were the longest most miserable months of my life. I was always getting sick, my stomach was always in knots, I could not sleep and I felt so ugly inside.

I was always one to say my prayers before falling asleep, and I knew that they were being heard. When I had that hate inside me I stop saying my prayers. I no longer wanted to say them.

Around the beginning of the second week of the third month I hated my life. The hate consumed me! One day I was driving home from work and I was saying "I hate you, I hate you, seeing this person in my minds eye" I was crying so hard I could hardly see, I remember being angry at God and screaming if you want me to forgive this F'en B then your going to have to help me, I can't do this on my own, and I can't live this way anymore. I lost it, I cried so hard I couldn't breath, I pulled my car over to the side of the road and realized, I not only hated her, I hated my life! She was busy living her life, and I wanted to end mine. I remember telling God help me to forgive her!

That night I decided to try and say my prayers before trying to fall asleep, all I could pray was Lord help me forgive her. I prayed that every night for three weeks even though I didn't feel it. I did this for 3 weeks straight and every night it got easier and easier! by the end of the third week I was asking the Lord to bless her, finally I was free, from hatred! My aunt and I worked things out and we have a good relationship.

My hoped is that you reach out to the Lord and give him a chance to set you free from hatred as he did for me. You know hatred will consume every fiber of your being and ruin your life. My prayer for you is that you give the Lord a chance to set you free from hatred as he did for me. I will continue to keep you in my prayers, I don't need your name because the Lord already knows who you are.

P.S. I am here for you if you need to talk, I mean type Lol.

God Bless





Anonymous said...

How do you stop hatred? Imagine a huge backpack on your back filled with heavy boulders, go to a riverbank, the ocean, a lake, take off the back pack and very slowly and methodically lift out the boulders and throw them in the lake - - - . say a loud and heartfelt goodbye, now when you see these people around, turn and walk the other way totally ignore them, do not hear them when they talk or call, do not look in their direction, when you accidently think on them, make your mind think more pleasant thoughts. after practicing this for a while they will no longer exist. It works I have done it with a neighbor, she shone huge construction type lights in my bedroom window, she called the police every other day on some imagined offense I had committed threatened me and my dog, I just turned and walked away, was polite to the police who always left on my side, now she no longer bothers me as I was refusing to play her game.

Anonymous said...

What happens when I have a potato for each person I like?

Anonymous said...

I feel children learn what they are taught from there parents. If they are taught hatred they will hate. If they are taught love they will love.

Anonymous said...

I truly hope this is just a teaching parable meant for adults and not something that a kindergarten teacher actually did. I understand the concept of the story but it would be sad to think that at the age of 4 or 5 that children were instructed to think about the people that they hate even for the purposes of a lesson. I, for one... don't remember hating anyone at that age and had a teacher "made" me bring potatoes to school to represent the people I hated, I couldn't have taken part in the exercise. I wouldn't have even understood what she meant by hate. If this is a true story, I wonder how many of those children were introduced to the concept of hate through this "lesson." For an entire week they were made to think about hate and what we think about expands. Yes the final lesson was to not carry hate... but in that week before the final lesson the children would have been thinking about hate, concentrating on hate. It hurts my heart to think the things these children might have drawn into their lives during that week. Children are powerful creators... how much better a lesson would have been to have them plant seeds of love and watch those grow and blossom!

Anonymous said...

You can let it go but you'll never forget

Unknown said...

Try putting God in your life and in your heart first. Then with time and prayer you can let go of the hatred. God Bless you and bring you peace.

Anonymous said...

LET GO AND LOVE GOD..THE SAME FOR ALL THE HATRED YOU HOLD IN YOUR HEART FOR ONLY YOU WILL FIND PEACE IN YOUR HEART AND WILL BE ABLE TO LIVE YOU LIFE WITHOUT PURE HATRED....

Robert said...

Why bring God into this game when you can fix it yourself? Why not take some responsability yourself for once instead of giving it to anybody else?

Anonymous said...

I Agree.

Anonymous said...

amen to that Robert!

Anonymous said...

maybe you could plant the potatoes for those you like, then nurture them til you harvest the crop. Then pass on those potatoes to others so they can do the same.

Unknown said...

Very nice. However I will never give up the hatred that I have for the monster that murdered my grandson.

Anonymous said...

This was the greatest story it really hit home I don't hate my son an his girlfriend but I am so disappointed n them both the were told something that was a complete lie and in return I haven't seen them or my precious granddaughter and I miss them so much it hurts every day I think about them all the time they really must really hate me to believe people that tell lies just to tell them well to the end of this message is luv yr kids no Mather what I will forever luv the three of them now an forever

Anonymous said...

I totally agree with this

Unknown said...

Good Bless you Marilyn, Prayers to you & family.

Anonymous said...

Just remember ..forgivness is NOT for the other person. Its for you. Thats the big picture. Stop turning every little lesson taught to kids " a horrible thing. The sooner they learn the better. It could actually let them live healthy lives. Hatred is dark, heavy, time consuming and unhealthy. It changes you into a person thats not you, because its ALL you can think about. So when you let go of the hatred, THEY NO LONGER HAVE CONTROL.

Anonymous said...

I will never forgive family members who have falsely accused my father of carrying out horrific attacks on them over 40 years ago,I remember every occasion they stated to the police and these things DID NOT HAPPEN they are doing it for criminal injuries compensation they are a family of prostitutes,drug addicts,alcoholics and pathological liars anyone with half a brain can tell by their statements that they are rehearsed and the accusations are ridiculous.I hate every single one of them they waited for all the people who were around at the time passed away including my Mother so our witnesses are no longer with us.I would like to see you give up the hatred for what this evil family are doing to this decent family.I HATE THEM ALL.

Anonymous said...

Personally thought it was genius !

Anonymous said...

So true

Anonymous said...

Lord Jesus told us to cast our burde
ns upon Him for He cares for us.

Anonymous said...

Well and truly said

Anonymous said...

Once i read a true story of a wife n chose to forgive her husband's murderer. She n her immediate family members forgave that murderer. Her husband was a shop keeper.

Anonymous said...

if the story was done in reality or not, the message was crystal clear. . . hatred was a heavy load to carry around and it has no positive effect at all. . . .

Anonymous said...

For adults to play this game, need to use a heavier object to replace potatoes. Maybe pineapple or papaya or rock melon.

Anonymous said...

Stop disliking that person n that means u forgive.

Anonymous said...

I agree with u but at least from this story, we adults really learn a lot, right?

Anonymous said...

I agree with you, this lesson should be more geared toward middle school students as this is the age that where students are trying to fit in be accepted, therefore, are open to forgivness and easier to let go of hate. It is so sad that to think that children age 5 were introduced to the concept of hate. It all comes down to the patents not allowing their child to participate in this type of lesson at ages 4 and 5 and as well voicing their opinion as to why. Children learn from their partent s if there is love being shown at home then a child learns to love and with love come forgiveness. If there is hate shown at home then a child learns to hate and withhate comes resentment

Anonymous said...

If there is anything that when i think of it n i will feel sad, i choose not to think about it. In thst way, my life eill be happier n healthier.

Anonymous said...

Amend : If there is anything ..that way ..will..healthier.

Anonymous said...

Agree.

Anonymous said...

Agree.

Jj said...

Its a short story with a big n meaningful moral

Anonymous said...

Excellent. And i agree, if u forgive others u also forgive urself,u don't carry the burden if blame and self doubt,its then much easier to love yourself and others and have peace in ur heart x

Anonymous said...

forgive yes...but not easy to forget

dyamond520 said...

I AGREE!

Anonymous said...

AMEN!!!

Anonymous said...

Sometimes it's ok to forgive somebody. If they show any kind of regrets for what they did. If they don't and you forgive them it's like you're enabling them to go on and hurt other people, that it's ok to have this kind of behavior.Whatever hurt and pain they caused should be forgotten. People don't realize once words come out of their mouths it's too late, they can't be taken back. They'll think if they were forgiven before that they'll be forgiven again.

T.S Adekunle said...

Awesome. Holding on to hatred is like holding on to a Flame of fire.

Anonymous said...

Problem is you can't fix it yourself, only God can.

Anonymous said...

It is very much like an onion game. But with the onions you cut and peel them,to get the point of hatred. Because onions make your eyes sting when cut. And when you peel them ,you are crying. This lets people know their hatred is festering inside them.
The only true way to get over what others have done wrong to you is shrug it off. Stay away from those who wronged you and get on with your life. It happened its over.

Anonymous said...

That's why so many people continue to carry hatred and hurt because they've tried to handle it themselves.we need to realize some things are bigger than us and goes deeper than we know . We have to Let Jesus Christ heal our hurt and our hearts to get rid of the stench of hatred. Praise Jesus the great physician who is able to heal hearts minds bodies and souls.be blessed

mlo said...

I guess the same goes for anger. I wish I knew how to. I have to let go of hatred and anger.

Anonymous said...

The response kill them with kindness comes to mind only you dont kill them you treat them extra kind or sweet til they cant stand it and become nervous or suspicious all the while thanking Jesus for the strength and endurance to deal with that person and watch them back off from you completely or change how they treat you altogether. Lived it, on my job as a caregiver. I almost quit my job because of one client. Then there was my mother treating me as if I were 10 yrs old, I'm 42 with 2 children of my own 24 & 16 yr old daughters. My mother went on her way and my client and I get along better. The client still tries to be bossy but I give her a look and she backs up. Needless yo say I still have to pray in order for things to stay positive.

Anonymous said...

So instead of sitting these hateful kids down and telling them in words how pityful their life will be if they had hatered for somebody she had to waste food doing it !!! wonder if that so called smart teacher ever wondered if those potatoes were all the families had. and she showed them how to let it rott and go hungry. that educated idiot of a teacher needs fired and never to teach kids again. esp. how to waste food.

Anonymous said...

To reply for all who cannot bear to forgive,,as of now I thought I hated my mom to a point and found myself feeling like a hypocrite with her but as I read the comments I can try to comprehend that kind of hatred having 3 children ad I pray not to go thru what many have,,,you are all in my prayers and though I don't blame you for your hatred I will forgive for u and pry to ease your pain. May God Bless each and everyone of you and may he ease your pain. In Jesus name Amen!

Anonymous said...

You don't forgive for them you forgive them for yourself to give you peace in your mind and heart. Let go of what they did and know that because of them you are stonger and will now never give them the power to hurt you again. Bad things happen but in the end it is another lesson in life and it is up to you to choose how to move forward after either hold on to the hate and anger or forgive and carry on with life. I was a rape victim to my mothers boyfriend for 7 years he threatened my life treated me horribly and when I got away I carried the fear the hate the hurt with me for many more years not until I attempted to take my life did I see how much my hate for him was hurting me never was it him that was paying the price for my hatred just me. I chose to forgive him not because he deserved but because I deserved to be free from his grasp. To forgive doesn't mean the other has to know or that you have to have a relationship with that person forgiveness is for you :-)

Rosario Joy Capilitan said...

Nice one!