As a child growing up, I remember feeling the sting of rejection. My biological father was nowhere in the picture. I thought surely he must have wanted a boy. Because why else would he not be there for me.

As years passed anger grew. I felt like I was not good enough. Unloved. Rejected on so many levels. I was filled with so much unforgiveness in my heart. To the point that I honestly never believed I could face him without having a burst of anger errupt. Forgiving him felt impossible. Unthinkable.

At the age of 26 I faced what had always been my greatest fear. I was presented with that moment of truth. I had a choice to make. I could continue harboring this unforgiveness or I could find my freedom by letting go.

Have you ever faced a situation in life that had you defeated by hurt and pain?

Is there someone right now you harbor unforgiveness for?

Unforgiveness is the devil I tell ya! It robs you from so much peace and happiness. It keeps you living in the past. It creates ill will and a harmful tongue. Rejection can cause one to lash out through emotional outburst. Trust me. I know all too well what that’s like.

Maybe someone has hurt you. Maybe someone you looked up to has made you feel less than. Unimportant. Maybe, just maybe, that relationship just didn’t happen, leaving unresolved closure and hurt.

Whatever the circumstance is, can I share one thing with you?

FORGIVE

This doesn’t mean you forget or that you have to keep that person a part of your life. What it means is that you are letting go and releasing your heart from the restraints of hurt and pain. It means you are allowing yourself peace of mind. It means, whomever or whatever can’t hurt you anymore. Because you have chosen to rise above. It means you no longer dwell in the pain left behind.

I have said this many times before. And I have to remind myself sometimes when someone does something that makes me feel hurt or with unresolved feelings.

Forgiving doesn’t mean you are weak. Forgiving means your strength overcame your weakness.

It’s easier to allow our emotions to overcome us. We must be reminded that our emotions don’t rule over us. We have a choice. We can choose bitterness or Godliness. We can see resentment or mercy.

I remember the day I met my biological father for the first time as if it were yesterday. I hugged him and with a full heart I said, “I forgive you.” Three powerful words that freed me.

Jesus suffered far more than I ever have so that despite how terrible I may have been, God forgave me. God forgives us with no record kept. He simply forgives and allows us to live in freedom and peace. I want to believe that the moment I said those three powerful words, I wasn’t the only one that received freedom. I wasn’t the only one that gained peace that day.

My dear friend, I want to encourage you to take life back and find freedom in forgiveness. Forgive those that have hurt you. Allow yourself to live life in peace and joy. Forgive yourself for whatever it is you hold against yourself. Let it go and unleash yourself to move forward. Allow God to fill those empty spaces and heal those wounds. You’ll be grateful you did.

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13

XOXO…Ileen

psst…God Loves You