About the Author

Lucretia is a wife, mom of three, and a TEDx and Q Ideas speaker (Charlotte, NC, 2017). As a former college professor, she designed the popular ‘beginners’ course and study guide, What LIES Between Us: Fostering First Steps Toward Racial Healing. She is the creator and director of the Brownicity.com...

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  1. Thank you for your application of Romans 5 truth and the chain reaction between endurance and strength of character. I’m reading Elisabeth Elliot right now on the topic of self-discipline, frequently thinking, “Was she even human?” and yet the power we draw upon in following Christ has nothing to do with our humanity or our feelings. How kind of God to offer us a way out of the damaging health effects of a grudge mentality by going first in the forgiveness business.
    Blessings to you, Lucretia.

    • Hi Michele!
      You’re welcome!
      Likewise, I feel incredibly fortunate that God is love, kind, and generous regardless of my flawed humanity.

      Thank you for reading.
      Shalom,
      LCB

  2. Lucretia,
    After going through a long, drawn out, tumultuous divorce, I was trying to make ends meet. I felt like I was doing the best I could under the circumstances. That was until my director called me into her office and after some, “You’ve lost your focus, blah, blah, blah…” I was let go. Nothing like being kicked when you’re down. I couldn’t tell if I was more hurt, or more angry?? I didn’t think I could take much more. That was the day I couldn’t get hold of my mom, my family, my best friends…no one was available to hear my despair and anger. Desperately I turned to Facebook to see if any of my good girlfriends were on and able to chat so I could get the hurt out. The only person on was my high school friend, Dave. He had always been a kind soul and good listener. Not sure what prompted me, but in the message box, I just typed, “Hey.” Really profound for a writer, no? Now married for 5 years, we lovingly celebrate June 2nd as “Hey Day.” What others meant for evil and punishment, God meant for good. This lesson has helped me to see that I need to turn my unforgiveness over to the Lord and believe that He is at work even in the midst of my pain. I also know to turn to God first, not Facebook….but in this case it was a blessing. Unforgiveness is meant to be left with the Lord and His sense of justice and mercy. Thanks for sharing….
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    • FORGIVENESS IS A STRUGGLE FOR ME RIGHT NOW. MY CHILDREN TREAT ME WITH DISTANCE AND DISRESPECT. HARSH WORDS. I TRULY UNDERSTAND PEOPLE WHO ARE HURTING , HURT OTHERS. THESE ARE MY CHILDREN WHO IN MY MIND ARE TO LOVE AND CARE ABOUT A PARENT THAT CARED FOR THEM. THEIR ACTIONS HAVE CAUSED TRAUMA & TRUST ISSUES .WHICH MAKES IT HARD TO MOVE FORWARD FOR ME. AS IH THE ARTICLE I,VE TRIED TRIED TALK THERAPY, JOURNALING, PRAYING. THE HURT IS SO DEEP I ASK HOW COULD A CHILD HURT A MOTHER WHO LOVED THEM SO DEEPLY? NEED PRAYER TO HEAR GOD. ALSO TO ADD TO MY PAIN LOST MY FURBABY SUDDENLY. IJUST FEEL CAN GOD SEE WHAT IM GOING THROUGH?????? IM OLDER THOUGHT MY RETIREMENT WOULD BE PEACEFUL & HAPPY. WITH LOVING CHILDREN MAYBE A FEW GRANDBABIES. BUT IM IN THIS PAINFUL STORM THE WIND IS LOUD I CANT HEAR GOD’S VOICE.

      • Dear Maria
        I totally understand your pain. Those closest to us can hurt us the most.
        “Forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” We know our families shouldn’t treat us this way, but sometimes they do. Try to get out and surround yourself with positive, godly women and let your spirit heal and forgive. Sometimes, you never get an apology from the person who hurt you. You just have to tell God all about it and ask Him to direct your heart. During the healing process, get involved with other people and things, maybe take an art class or yoga class.
        God knows the hurt and pain you’re going through. He will strengthen you during this trial in your life. I believe that. Cry out to Him and keep crying out to our God. He is good and faithful. I’m praying for you. I know the journey isn’t easy.

        • Dee thanks so much . YOU ARE RIGHT (CHILDREN HURT THEIR PARENTS WITHOUT A CARE) I DO ALOT OF STITCHING AND I HAVE MY FUR BABIES , CHURCH FAMILY. LOVE TO YOU XOXO

      • Maria,

        I’m so sorry that you’re going thru this. This has to be the deepest pain there is – our children, because we love them so much and have done more for them than they will ever know (and we’re happy to do it!). The love for our children is the deepest kind of love and it hurts so much when they are distant and/or disrespectful.

        I don’t have the answer to heal your heart, but just keep praying and open to how God will work in the situation. He loves them more than you do (which, I know, we feel is impossible) and He loves you so much and is hurting because you are hurting.

        Please know that you are not alone in this issue and I am praying for you my sister in Christ.

        • TAMMIE THANK YOU YOUR WORDS ARE VERY TRUE GOD LOVES THEM THEY NEED TO RETURN TO HIM SPIRITUAL AND IF TIS HAPPENS THEIR HEARTS WILL LOVE AGAIN .MY YOUNGEST DAUGHTER RAN OFF WITH HER BOYFRIEND HE IS AN ATHEIST, HAS NO RESPECT FOR ATHORITY OF ANY KIND.

      • Psalm 40: 1&2. God hears your pain dear one. A friend sent this verse to me this morning .i needed it as my heart so hurting re 50 wasted years of marriage and now retirement and stressful arguments with Grumpy … I just crawled out of bed after 2 days of battling with God.”..HELP PLEASE.”
        Today’s incourage so good …
        Let’s look up to the One who cares and really loves us..The Father … And centre on DELIGHTING Him …I heard a phrase…we can forgive but to forget takes time… I love the song…”Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus”
        Prayers I lift up for YOU.

      • Maria,
        Well…this stinks! Sorry that you are experiencing such pain. I wish I could literally hold your hand, right now. What I can do, is pray for your connections to people who need your light (beyond your children.) You are full of God’s love and light, and someone is longing to receive it from you. I am praying for doors to open and paths to be crossed so that ‘in real life’ connections are made, new friendships can be formed, and community cultivated.

        Shalom to you,
        LCB

      • Maria,

        Praying for you sweet sister. It’s so true that hurt people hurt & those closest to us can hurt us most. Wishing I could give you a hug & somehow make it better. You are a loving caring person. I pray God will change hearts> May He bring friends into your life that you can love. I will pray for hearts to soften & the conversation to begin between your children & you. May they open up to what is hurting them & why they treat you that way.

        (((((Hugs)))))

    • WOW Bev.
      What a ‘brutiful’ (brutal + beautiful) story. Thank you for sharing. I love how God’s met you in your longing for connection, even through facebook. God is so incredibly kind and understanding. I love it!!

      Thank you for reading and sharing!
      Shalom,
      LCB

  3. Thank you. Your words are so timely for me. As forgiveness allowd me ro see rhat it is also healing. To be vulnerable enough to forgive AND to receive being forgiven is a gift fro God. Both are Gods gift of grace. I ask for prayer for healing in my marriage as both forgiveness by my husband for being disappointing and forgiveness for my husband whos unforgiveness is challenging. Again to forgive is to be forgiven and both are healing.

    • Diane,
      Thank you for reading and sharing. I love how you expressed forgiveness as healing. You are right! I had not thought about it that way. I am lifting up you and your husband in prayer. I pray that you receive the healing brings forgiveness and forgiveness brings healing.

      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  4. Forgiveness is truly for the ones that is doing the forgiving instead of the intended person we want to forgive I have learned. It is when I forgive others, I can find peace. We always think that when we choose to forgive, it is for the other person. Well…that person had no idea they even need any forgiving. We all had faced others who clearly in our eyes shouldn’t be forgiven right? They had hurt us, spew stinging words to the core of being and the worst part is forgiving those we love. I believe that is the most hardest thing to do. We trust these folks to encourage us, to lift us up in our times of weakness and yet when we find ourselves not being able to understanding the “whys” of what they said or did, the human thing for us to feel is emotional pain and to hold onto that hurt and relive it time and time again. Lucretia, you are so correct when you say the path to forgiveness is exhausting. It is and I know I had to forgive the same person over and over again and I am left to wonder why but I know it is the right thing to do and when I fill the hurt with compassion for the person, my views change and that was a huge defining moment for me as well as how I reacted to the other person. Today, I will tell you that if you had not known the past relationship of me and this person, you would had thought we always got along and that we always loved on each other. Thank you Lord for allowing me to truly be able to forgive time and time again as You had done for us, for me. Thank you Lucretia for sharing this message.

    • Maylee,
      You’re welcome! Thank you for sharing about your forgiveness journey. Knowing that its been difficult for others helps me not feel like a monster…lol.

      Thank you for reading.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

    • Marlee forgiveness is tough like you said we trusted our hearts with these people and they took our feelings and put them out for the trash man to pick up. My husband and i have had a hard road. We are older . Forgiveness is so hard but as we get older we need each other so i feel forced to forgive him. Is the right way to feel?

  5. I been where you have Lucretia I know it hard to forgive. But we have to do it. As if we don’t as Christian it only eats us up the on forgiveness we have towards that person has hurt us. Plus the Devil has the last laugh we don’t want to give him the last laugh. Especially if it was with their actions or words. We have to do what it says in Ephesians 4 verses 31 and 32. Let all bitterness wrath anger clamor and evil speaking be put away from you with all malice and be kind to one another tenderhearted Forgiving One Another Even as God in Christ Forgave You. I know at the time it is hard. But we have to do it as it right in God eyes. We might need counseling to help us forgive if person has badly hurt us. I know what it like to be hurt by my family. With things they have done too me. Done to my Family and said too me. If I didn’t get the help or forgive as it says in thoes scriptures in Ephesians 4 verses 31 and 32 plus prayer. I would not be where I am today and the person I am today and the Christian I am today. As I am apart from my Husband the only one saved in my Family. I pray for their Salvation. Excellent reading you are so brave to share what you did Lucretia. Love Dawn God bless I pray for you all at incourage. Xxx

    • Hi Dawn.
      Thank you for reading and sharing such incredible encouragement. You are living the Truth at work in us. I am so glad that the God’s grace sustains us even when we don’t want to do the work of forgiveness.

      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  6. One last we thing I saw a saying it so true to do with (Forgiveness. Please Burry The Hattached Before It Buries You. )
    If you have any thing again anyone. So true so it is. As the person that has hurt you probably not thought another thing about what they said or done to hurt you. They are getting on with their lives not giving you a thought. The only one it hurting is You. Only why to stop it hurting you is too forgive that person. like it says in God word ask God to help you heal. Xxx

    • YES THIS SO TRUE IVE BEEN BRUTALY HURT EMOTIONALLY BY MY CHILDREN HOW COULD THEY TREAT A MOTHER LIKE THIS? BUT YOU ARE RIGHT THE ONLY WAY TO STOP HURTING IS TO FORGIVE THEM. ALSO WANT TO SAY THE NEW ( IN-COURAGE) BIBLE IS VERY NICE FOUND THE BLUE COLOR AT BARNES&NOBLE BOOK SELLERS ITS FORM IS BETWEEN. KJ&NIV ITS NICE ❤️

  7. Over ten years ago, my best friend (like a sister) and I were on a phone call while at work. She normally got off early on that particular day of the week but said it wasn’t going to be, on that day. About an hour in a half later I received a phone call while still at work, from her husband, asking why she was at my house. He and I both had some insecurities at the time, mine unbeknownst to me until a previous encounter. Nevertheless he saw her and followed. My husband was in between jobs and home so she stopped by to see if she’d left her headpiece in our couch from the weekend while hanging out. Many questions, many thoughts and felt like I was lied to which resulted in being hurt. So much happened and continues to this day, that I’ve learned to consistently forgive because it’s necessary to be pleasing to God. He’s my only strength because there’s so much that I don’t understand, yet must keep going. Relationships are not easy for me and that’s exactly what He wants. AMAZING. Without God I am nothing and can do nothing! He’s consistently, consistent!

    • SC,
      That’s tough! It takes strength from a Source greater than ourselves to be able to sustain healthy relationships when there has been reason to doubt loyalty. May you receive time to heal and forgive. And in that time, may everyone grow and mature to reflect God more and more.

      Thank you for reading.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

    • Sc so sorry to hear what your going through. Forgiveness is good. BUT people can sometimes take advantage of a forgiving nature. Just keep your eyes ,ears open. God loves you and you are very important to him ❤️

    • hahaha!!! I have no idea why I wrote ‘DAVID!” I even looked it up to be sure of the Hulk’s name! Oh well!! That’s so me…I was probably multi-tasking and got confused. I’ll see if I can edit it.

      Rachel, thank you so much!!!
      Thank you for reading.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

    • It was Bruce in the comic books, David on the tv series, I believe. 🙂

      • I’ve never heard of a TV series, and I don’t know why the name would be different in it, but anyway, the character created by Stan Lee and in the movies was definitely named Bruce. I don’t actually read comic books although my husband has. I love Marvel movies though.

  8. Thank you for this message. I was hurt by someone that said he loved me. It felt if my heart was torn in pieces. I felt so betrayed and angry. But, my anger was not just at him it was at God to. I thought how could I go through this again and again. I didn’t know what to do to stop hurting. I literally cried none stop for three days. Then I get this thought, read your Bible, Devotionals, find someone to confide in. I had no one in my circle that could talk to. So, I turned to God. He reminded me first of who he is and who I am. He gave me strength, comfort and peace that only he can give. Then only was able to forgive the person that hurt me and myself.

    • Mildred,
      Thank you for reading and sharing your very real and relatable story. Forgiveness brought healing and healing brought forgiveness.

      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  9. Lucretia, hi I’m your twin. Lol. 🙂

    But seriously, I am going through a few accounts of having to forgive within family. I usually see the best in people and don’t have a problem trusting others. But these family members created such a harsh narrative in their mind about me that had been going on for almost a decade! I had NO CLUE. And none of it was warranted… I knew they were projecting on me what they were experiencing from their traumatic past, but it still hurt! The wounds are so deep and honestly, I never thought they would come from those I trusted and loved so much. It’s a constant, “Lord, I forgive them, but please help me forgive them.” I don’t feel kind or at peace when I think about them right now, but I love how you said God gives us the gift of TIME. It’s not instant, especially when the wounds come from those we respect and love the most. And it’s ok that it takes time… as long as I keep handing it over to Jesus.

    So encouraging for this hurting girl’s heart. Thank you, Sister!

    Becky

    • Hi Becky!
      Yes, we are TWINS!!! As I was reading your reply, I was literally feeling your pain. I totally get it! I understand! I am cheering for your recovery! I am glad that you know at some point, the hurt won’t be so intense. But yes, we get to respect the work that TIME will do. I am praying for your resilience and endurance. I am also praying those folks see you as God see’s you (and not as they’ve created in their broken imaginations — wink, wink!)

      Thank you for reading and sharing.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  10. Thank you. I can relate completely. I was deeply angry at God for placing me in the family I was born into as the abuse was so deep and painful. It has taken many years to get where I am partially free of unforgivingness. The turning point was God revealing His love for me. It has been a slow, steady uphill climb. Amazing how He has made me willing to totally forgive. Like you, it’s a process of time. The truth will set us free!!!

    • Gail!
      What an incredible life of resilience, redemption and reconciliation. Your story resonates with so many people. Are you sharing your story in some way?

      Thank you for reading and sharing.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  11. All these comments are so sad that we look with our human eyes on forgiveness. I have had plenty of hurt in my lifetime; but from the time I was very young, I knew that I was on God’s camera 24/7 & What Would He Do? Dying on the Cross for you & me, He said “Father forgive them…they don’t know what they are doing”. What an example for us! Since I am now 82 years old, believe me, I do know what I am talking about.. You plus God makes forgiveness possible. God bless each of you!

  12. Lucretia, this is such a powerful post. I’m sorry for the pain you endured and grateful for the honest wrestling your shared here. This message will bless my readers, because so many feel pressure to forgive in very unhealthy ways. They need to hear stories of the time it takes and I love how you spoke of endurance that grew. I will share it with them next week. Blessings,

    • YAY!
      Jolene, I am so glad this will resonate with your audience. I shared my struggle with forgiveness because I feel like I rarely hear stories like mine. I don’t want folks to feel shame when forgiveness takes time. God is gracious to us because our weaknesses are a reality. Without our weaknesses, we don’t need God. Therefore, God does not shame us for our flaws. Praise the Lord!!! I am so grateful!!!

      Thank you for reading and sharing.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  13. Thanks so much for sharing your heart! I love to read what you have written – it is beautiful and challenging. You always make me think and analyze what I believe. As I have worked through places of unforgiveness, it always involves a lot of soul searching. I question why God, who is my protector and defender, why didn’t He stop the painful situation? My next step is repentance. I repent of my disobedience in ignoring His voice and warning, I repent of my pride that elevates my feelings and my sense of justice over God, I repent of my impatience. I repent of my selfishness. I repent of my ignorance and silence when I should stick up for myself and others who are being hurt. I repent of lying to others and hurting others. I repent of unfaithfulness and insensitivity. I repent of looking to people to be my savior, my friend, and my protector, my helper and my provider. Then I pray for God’s judgement in my life and their lives. As Psalm 59:12-14 says “For the sins of their mouths, for the words of their lips, let them be caught in their pride, for the curses and lies they utter, consume them in wrath consume them till they are no more, then it will be known to the ends of the earth that God rules over Jacob.” Praying for God’s judgement in their lives and our lives sets us free. We are forgiving the debt by giving it to God. Though this person owes us, by asking for God’s judgement we are freed from pursing the debt. In a sense God becomes the debt collector. He is perfect, fair and has a plan for their lives. We have to trust that He knows how to make them pay up and will keep them from hurting others. Of course when we call on God to judge others – He will judge us -but we don’t have to be afraid. God loves us and wants what is best for us so even in his judgement we will be blessed.

    • Hi Penny.
      Thank you for reading. I love what you’ve written here — especially “Though this person owes us, by asking for God’s judgement we are freed from pursing the debt. In a sense God becomes the debt collector. He is perfect, fair and has a plan for their lives.”

      I committed myself to praying for this person who deliberately crushed me. I was genuinely concerned for her, but kept my distance. I did not talk with her again until I had to be in a meeting with her and others about a year later. After the meeting, she asked to talk with me. She was very encouraging towards me, and told me she had began a relationship with God and the church.

      I was in awe of God’s love for her. While she and I have maintained our distance from each other, I can say that I am genuinely happy to know that she knows God’s love for her.

      Thank you for reading and sharing.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

      • It is amazing what God can do when we put things in his hands and let go. What a blessing for her eternal life and peace for you to know you will be rejoicing in God’s grace together forever. God is so good.

  14. I can relate so much!!! One thing that helped me recently was to hear this on my Boundaries course: unforgiveness is saying you still want something from that person. The anger keeps you tied to them. Forgiving means letting them go, stop invading theirs and your own boundaries, accept and respect that they had a choice to ‘do that,’ and accept that I have the choice how I respond. It took me over a decade to forgive my mom for her abuse but this idea helped to put the nail in the coffin (not literally haha). I let her go and don’t want anything from her anymore that she isn’t willing to freely give, so can forgive her.

    • Agnes
      Thank you for sharing.
      “The anger keeps you tied to them.” This helpful to know and understand. In my case, ironically, my anger towards her, tethered me to her, which kept me praying for. The offense hurt so much because I cared so much! Maybe forgiveness comes easier when you have less invested. I don’t know, but its something for me to think about.

      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  15. Admittedly, I expected a typical post of scriptures that insist we must forgive or suffer the spiritual consequences. No, you were REAL! Blatantly and wonderfully real! My heart skipped a beat and my spirit lifted because you were honest and vulnerable. You expressed our humanness so brilliantly. Finding God’s peace is not always easy. Deep breathing and focussing on scripture does not always cut it. The trouble is, hurt and pain can be multiple layers of wounding, each one being complex in and of itself. Some of the abscess’ leak and ooze emotional and spiritual infection. They all need time, as you share, to respond to God’s healing balm. Thank you for your candidness. It has allowed me to see I’m in process, not defunct in the forgiveness department.

    • Hi Lorri!
      Your response helps me feel normal…lol. I love this: “The trouble is, hurt and pain can be multiple layers of wounding, each one being complex in and of itself. ”
      YES!!! It takes TIME for all of the layers to be worked on and worked out. And I, in my own strength and knowledge of scripture, I could not do the required surgery. So, I had to let God do it, in God’s time. I’ve learned not to feel guilty when I struggle as mere humans do. 🙂

      Thank you for reading and sharing.
      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  16. Lucretia,

    Unforgiveness, & bitterness are two schemes of the evil one. He loves for us to be hurt, angry & upset with others. Don’t show them love just contempt for what they did or are doing. Jesus turn that upside down. He says forgive as I have forgiven you. Many times over. It may be hard, bu it is well worth the effort. it may take talking it out with trusted others. Time to take off our masks & come real with ourselves & God. After all He knows us best. He is the one who said “forgive them for they know not what they are doing.” We should do like wise. Sometimes people don’t realize they have hurt us. They just say or do something and the hurt comes flooding in. I am quick to forgive hubby. The offense hurts I know he doesn’t mean what he says. It is just simply being tired from 3 (12 hr) shifts at hospital (Computed Tomography). Working almost alone most of the time. His job is frustrating. Add to that little sleep in between shifts & you get a tired upset person. I know. I’m the same way. Thank you for an open honest post about the hard work of forgiving. It is not always easy. The best thing we can do for ourselves.

    Blessings 🙂

    • Beth.
      You’re welcome. Thank you for reading and sharing how you can relate to the hard work of forgiveness. Admitting that forgiveness can be a struggle is half the battle. Its admitting that we need help in the pursuit of GOD’s best for us.

      Shalom to you.
      LCB

  17. Hi Lucretia,
    This is so timely for me. I have had built up unforgiveness for numerous years and about 6 months ago starting working on forgiving the people who hurt me, mostly through a bullying behaviour. The part that hit home was the “poison of unforgiveness kills me , not the other person.” This was listened to through a podcast by a well known speaker and author. I also did the “pretend conversation” or 2 chairs type of dialogue, where you actually speak to the person who hurt you as if they’re in the room. This was sooo helpful!! And, as Jesus said, we have to forgive 70 x 7 times, or continuously. This isn’t always easy; I understand the not wanting to part. But it is very freeing when we do. If I fall back into an angry mode with anyone I just keep saying “I forgive you,” out loud to myself. OF COURSE I PRAYED ABOUT THIS AND WITH GOD’S HELP I WAS ABLE TO FORGIVE.

    Shalom, Ms. S

    • Ms. S.
      Thank you for sharing. I agree….sometimes the road to forgiveness can be daunting. Fortunately, if we choose to start the journey, God strengthens and encourages us along the way.

      Shalom to you,
      LCB

  18. Hi Lorri!
    Your response helps me feel normal…lol. I love this: “The trouble is, hurt and pain can be multiple layers of wounding, each one being complex in and of itself. ”
    YES!!! It takes TIME for all of the layers to be worked on and worked out. And I, in my own strength and knowledge of scripture, I could not do the required surgery. So, I had to let God do it, in God’s time. I’ve learned not to feel guilty when I struggle as mere humans do. 🙂

    Thank you for reading and sharing.
    Shalom to you,
    LCB

  19. Oh, I am so in the midst of this struggle right now. I KNOW I need to forgive my two sisters. I am the youngest of three daughters. Both of my older sisters have both emotionally scarred me (oldest) and physically scarred me (middle.) In and of its self, I forgave them the tortures they’ve separately put me through. But then, they turned their respective charms on our Mother and have done the same types of things to her.
    \
    I can’t forgive them for hurting our Mother. And maybe it’s not all about them and her? I don’t know. When I think about them, I just want them permanently out of my life. Can forgiveness be complete if you still want there to be a severed relationship?

    I pray about this all of the time, pretty much nightly for the last 2 to 3 years when I realized I had to forgive them and move forward. But My oldest sister insists on picking the scab off of the half-healed wounds she inflicts on my Mother. And my middle sister keeps popping up to tell my Mom that she should be the sole beneficiary of her will, this after her nearly beating my mother to death!

    I don’t know what to do or how to go about it. I can only pray and ask Jesus to soften my heart further. I know my mother wants there to be a reconciliation in our family, but I don’t want either of them in my life with their individual brands of drama.

  20. Kim,
    Wow! This is hard. I am so sorry that you are going through this. My hearts breaks for you. Obviously, I am no expert on forgiveness, but I believe that severing ties can be essential to the forgiveness and healing process. Regarding the legal benefactor issue, you and your mom should seek counsel.

    I am praying for your family–for light to drive out darkness, for you all to welcome healing into the broken spaces of your hearts and interpersonal relationships, for you to seek wisdom on how to proceed so that you are safe and at peace.

    Shalom to you.
    LCB

  21. My husband and I were just asked to give a Sunday School lesson on forgiveness. This was helpful and good thoughts. We wish there was a way to copy it so that we could use short thoughts from it for the lesson.

    • Hi Dorothy!
      Thank you for reading. I am so glad that you found it helpful.
      I hope you can find a way to use it in the way that suites your teaching needs.

      Best regards,
      LCB

  22. Hi Lucretia! Forgiveness is journey and I’m moved by your vulnerable words, speaking from a place that is honest and also touched by what God has whispered to you. Thank you for sharing from your heart and journey. I’m looking forward to seeing you in just a little bit at the (in)courage retreat and enjoy your company and get to know you better on this week’s journey, friend! 🙂 love, Bonnie