Friends, let’s get real for a moment. We all carry wounds from our past, and if we’re not careful, they can hold us back from all God has for us. I want to share a bit about my journey to healing and forgiveness, particularly regarding my relationship with my father.
Growing up with an alcoholic father left deep scars. For years, I carried anger, resentment, and pain. It affected my relationships, my self-worth, and even my faith.
The turning point came during that couples retreat at Forest Home Christian Camp. As the speaker talked about forgiveness, I felt God nudging me to deal with the hurt I’d been carrying.
Here’s what I learned about healing and forgiveness:
- It’s a process, not a one-time event. Healing takes time, and that’s okay.
- Forgiveness is for you, not the other person. I had to forgive my father for my own freedom, regardless of whether he ever changed.
- It doesn’t mean forgetting or excusing the hurt. It means choosing to release the hold that person has on you.
- It often requires support. I couldn’t have walked this journey alone. Debbie’s support and godly counsel were crucial.
- It’s supernatural. True forgiveness is only possible through God’s grace and power.
- It leads to freedom. The weight I’d been carrying for years lifted as I chose to forgive.
- It’s ongoing. Even now, I sometimes have to choose forgiveness again.
Remember, your past doesn’t define you. Your wounds don’t have to dictate your future. Through Christ, healing and freedom are possible.
If you’re struggling with past hurts, I encourage you to bring them to God. Seek support, maybe even professional help if needed. The journey to healing isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. Trust me, the freedom on the other side is beautiful.