Forgiveness is required

June 14, 2024

It occurred to me today that I haven't written anything about forgiveness yet. I also realized that I haven’t really forgiven myself.  I feel responsible for letting this happen again (as if I would have let it take place had I known what was happening), and for putting my family through it again. They don’t blame me for anything, they just want me better and they know that part of the healing process involves forgiveness, for everyone.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you. Ephesians 4: 32

This isn’t rocket science. Most people realize that forgiveness is extremely important in the area of healing and recovery. It doesn’t just let someone else off the hook for something they did. It lifts the burden of unforgiveness from you. I know it wouldn’t be easy to forgive things that have been done to some of you reading this but remember, it is a process and can take a long time. And again, it’s just as much for you as it is for them. Even with forgiving myself, it’s a process and is taking a repeated effort of letting go and letting myself off the hook.

 Judge not, and you will not be judged, condemn not and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven. Luke 6:37

I’ve been thinking about things that I was noticing last year, signs that something was wrong, and I needed to pay closer attention. They weren’t obvious and some really didn’t make sense at all, but looking back and putting them all together, I realize they were warning signs.

I experienced things like leg or arm tightness when I was going to bed but I was able to sleep so I wasn’t concerned. I wasn’t enjoying riding my motorcycle as much – it was making me nervous like it hadn’t before and I stopped riding at night. Sometimes people’s comments were bothering me more than usual, but I just figured that was because of my sensitive nature. I scaled back on my serving at church because I was feeling a little overworked. I had also developed some shakiness and tremors in my arms and legs, but it didn’t seem serious.

All this is to say that, if you are prone to anxiety and/or depression, I would suggest that you take note of any out of the ordinary symptoms that may point to excess stress building up. It may be nothing to be concerned about, but, as in my case, it could be pointing to something more serious. You will be thankful that you took notice, and it may give you some helpful information about yourself that could contribute to a healthier mind and body.

The Lord will guide you always; he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well-watered spring whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11

Remember that no matter how bad you feel, you’re not alone. There’s always someone whose been where you are. Sometimes it’s people that you never would have expected, and some of them would be willing to talk with you about your, (and their), experiences. It helps to know that someone else really understands what you’re going through and maybe they’ve learned something that could help you.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 1:5