I’m deep in the middle of writing my next book, The Unburdened Heart: Finding Freedom from Forgiveness.

My favorite writing place is tucked under a stairwell at a local university. It’s dark. Comfy. A leather chair next to a window where a squirrel often scampers while I write.

As I wrote I felt that familiar nudge. You know, the one that says “I want your attention.”

I paused, my fingers on the keyboard.

Have you forgiven it all, Suzie?

Yes, Lord, I have.

Look again.

This time I looked with the light of the Holy Spirit playing in the shadows of my heart and thoughts.

And there it was.

An area that I believed was healed. An area I would have told you was put to rest a long time ago.

And yet. . .

an area where I still felt pain if I think about it.

So I don’t.

Let me have that. . .

Tears welled up, thankful for the darkness of my little writing cave.

I will never have all the answers, but I do know that forgiveness set me free once and it continues to offer me the choice to live with an unburdened heart.

To experience life unshackled.

I’m thankful for a God who loves us enough to dig deep into those hidden areas with His love.

Be gentle with one another, sensitive. Forgive one another as quickly and thoroughly as God in Christ forgave you.  Ephesians 4:32 (The Message)