The two winners of my new book, The Unburdened Heart: Finding the Freedom of Forgiveness, are Tammy M. and Jan Ward. I have sent an email to those who won.
I’m reading through every comment, rejoicing in some of the stories and the healing that has taken place. I am praying for others, asking God to move into the raw places.
I cannot wait to begin this study with you on February 25th!
Lana,
What a hard place to be in. Not only did you “lose” your husband in a sense because he’s no longer the man you married, but he’s struggling with the rage he doesn’t know how to handle. My heart hurts with you. I’m so glad he’s getting help, and you are right, your family needs help as well. I pray that this door opens, somehow, and for each of you.
I also pray that God, who is our Counselor, our comfort, who sings over us while we sleep and quietly calms our thoughts (Zephaniah 3:7) will cover your home and your family with His love and presence. That He will heal your husband, and help him find his way to wholeness. But mostly I just want you to know that I hear what you are saying, and I’m so sorry you’ve been through such a tough time. I am praying for you today.
Tanya, in our study we’ll talk about those things. Forgiveness isn’t stuffing, but it’s not reacting either. I hear you saying your relationship is a work in progress and you are making strides, but hit some obstacles. That’s such a great way to describe the journey. We’ll sort through what God offers in those obstacles, but also what it looks like to speak truth, or to give grace, or whatever scriptural and healthy response we can make in those hard places.
You sound like you really have a heart to forgive. How brave and beautiful that is!
Holly, You are right. It often won’t be mushy or super sweet, but it will be real and a fresh slate to begin on. You will hit bumps, I’m sure, but through the lens of forgiveness that looks different. It’s no longer personal, but an opportunity to grow and work through things together, or not which means that you accept what you can do and what is someone else’s growth process. So freeing!!