Search out your DNA heritage with caution. I mean, finding your family tree roots has been a blessing. Did you know there is a site where you can look up Puerto Rico Slave Records? It is expensive to search out the census. My mom’s dad came from there and what is interesting is he traveled through Japan to get to Seattle when he was 19 years old. My mom’s mother and father’s border papers from Mexico were a fascinating find. But, along with the interesting finds the skeletons about your family (history) become prominent as well. Once out you can’t put them back in the closet.
What do you do when the most embarrassing and shameful event in your life gets exposed? I think it is different when you are the person responsible compared to being the victim. Once it is out in the open how do you forgive the other person or yourself? How do you explain this to friends and family? Will they see you differently? Can you look into the eyes of your loved ones when all your wrongs are now on display? Or on the other side, you were the victim and the secret you have been holding onto all your life is disclosed. What do you do with the pain, humiliation, injury, and scars as your secret comes to light? It can be devastating on many levels.
To quote a cliche: “Sometimes the end does not justify the means”
The Bible teaches that forgiveness is a powerful tool for leaving the past behind. Forgiving others or receiving forgiveness from God can free people from bitterness, resentment, and regret. I still identify most with Peter whose restoration by Jesus allowed him to overcome his mistakes to become a leader in the early Church.
“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland” (Isaiah 43: 18-19).
“That you put off, concerning your former conduct, and old man which grows corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, and that you put on the new man which was created according to God, in true righteousness and holiness” (Ephesians 4 22-23).
“He will again have compassion on us, and will subdue our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea: (Micah 7:19).
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. As a father pities his children, so the Lord pities those who fear Him” (Psalm 103: 12-13).
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
One of the greatest gifts you can give to yourself is to forgive. One of the greatest gifts you can give to others is to forgive. Remember the reason for this season.
Prayers to all those feeling alone this Christmas. Darken the door of a church to make a connection with other imperfect people. If you are in La Vegas then join me at Red Rock Calvary on Sunday or for our candlelight services on Christmas Eve ( 3:30 pm & 5:00 pm).
God Bless you all,
dreamsdontfade.com (updated my class notes on my Socialism, Marxism, & Communism study on my blog)
This is a powerful song, "Ancient Gates" Brooke Ligertwood
Listen and can you see it?
My favorite part:
He exists in everlasting light
So on heaven's streets, there is no night
Every tear is wiped away, we'll know no sorrow
Yeah, worship Him with joyful sound
Oh, sing until your voice gives out
No matter where or who's around, release your worship, woo!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xw38lNKZQ_I