Global storytelling organization I Am Second has released its newest film “I Hated,” a collection of gripping stories from individuals who reveal their personal struggles with bitterness and the turning point in their journeys to becoming fully freed and healed. The stories shared encourage those struggling with unforgiveness and give hope that healing is possible.
Each individual featured grappled with a unique expression of hatred stemming from different places of hurt, including racism, eating disorders, sexism, anger issues, broken marriages and even hatred toward God.
[see link for film below]
For Skateboarder Brian Sumner, the anger that gripped him destroyed his marriage. “I’m punching holes through the walls, holes through the windows, shouting and spitting and saying foul words to this woman I love,” he said. “Why do I want to drink? Why do I want to look for ways to be satisfied outside of what I have? This doesn’t make sense.”
The stories shown in “I Hated” include accounts from celebrities seen on TV as well as everyday individuals who have experienced the reality of being crippled by hatred against themselves and others.
“I didn’t want anything to do with a God who made me this way,” said Jessica Long, the world’s second-most decorated Paralympic swimmer and adoptee from Russia.
Ken Hutcherson’s feelings for other races grew out of an experience he had at five years old until it manifested into something greater. “My hatred grew so badly that I ended up not liking Blacks either,” Hutcherson said.
But as “I Hated” portrays, each individual featured ultimately turned their lives around because of the love of Jesus.
“When you feel true deliverance, it’s literally like a weight is taken off of you that you can’t even explain,” said David Mann, who grew up destroying every male relationship in his life as a result of seeing his mom being abused by men. “That day was the beginning of true healing for me.” Today, Mann lives a life free of bitterness and full of love as a successful actor and comedian having starred in multiple Tyler Perry productions.
“I needed to know that I didn’t have to be in control anymore and I needed to know that someone else was,” said Ashley Rawls, who suffered from an eating disorder.
“I Hated” can be seen exclusively on I Am Second or its social media platforms. Additionally, the entire story of each individual “Second” in the “I Hated” film is also available at iamsecond.com.
About I Am Second
I Am Second is a non-profit launched in 2008 that ignites hope and inspires people to live for God and for others. Its website, iamsecond.com, features written and film-based stories of more than 100 athletes, actors, models, musicians, cultural influencers and everyday people who have stepped in front of the camera and declared, “I Am Second.” For information, visit iamsecond.com.