Visiting with my aunt last week was a real treat. Because we live in different state, coordinating my visits can be a test of schedules.

This was a special time for my aunt and me, because, since I was 15 years old, she has been someone I have looked up to and learned from. I can’t tell you how many of her “been there and done that” speeches I have sat through!

This visit touched on some things I didn’t realize she was still carrying inside of her. Some I vaguely remembered, but I had no idea of the torment she had put herself through all of these years.

As I listened, I could not help thinking of all the things she had championed me through, reminding me that “God is a forgiving God!” She could believe it for me but failed when it came to believing in her own forgiveness.

Not surprisingly, my aunt is not alone. For many of us, praying for someone else and believing in their forgiveness is easy. But when it comes to us, forgiving self is sometimes a challenge.

Early in my life, I, too, could beat myself up over mistakes, finding it hard to believe that a sincere repentance could wipe the slate clean.

True healing comes from your own relationship with the Lord. “Sea of Forgetfulness” by gospel artist Helen Baylor is one of my favorite songs of all time. If you are unfamiliar with the song, you can easily find it on “You Tube.” Besides being a powerful song, it serves as my reminder of Micah 7:19, where we are able to understand that our transgressions, following repentance, lands in a sea of forgetfulness.

If you are holding on to something from your past, remember that the same grace and mercy is available to you. Release yourself from personal bondage and of bondage put upon you by those friendly reminders from others that keep you locked to that which has long since been dealt with.

Ephesians 1:7 simply says: “In him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.

Release yourself to enjoy the grace that is available to you. Walk in the freedom of knowing that you have settled it with the Lord, and that He has received your sincere repentance and that, regardless of any reminders, it stops there.
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Tanya Wilson is a transformational speaker and author living in Charlotte N.C. Her column appears each Monday on Qcitymetro.com. Friend her on Facebook or email her at TW360you@aol.com

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