 | "Forgiveness is the right thing to do..." |
Forgiveness is perhaps the most important, and most difficult, thing we're called to do as Christians and as human beings. This struggle is the focus of today's Living Letter from Darlene.
| One of the main things that I have learned from Signed, Sealed, Delivered is how to forgive, especially from the Road Less Traveled. I grew up in a home where both my dad (alcoholic) and brother (alcohol and drugs) were addicts. My dad stopped when I was in college and found the Lord. He lived with so much guilt until he passed away. I had forgiven him long ago. My older brother was a different story. He was 2-1/2 years older than I so, we were very close growing up. I completely understand when Shane said she thought “The sun rose and set with her sister.” |  |
When we got older, he was constantly in trouble and my parents kept bailing him out. All their attention was given to him because I was the “good one” and did not need their help. This made me very independent and I finally moved 450 miles away to get out of the house because I was very angry at my brother and upset with my parents for enabling him. He blamed everyone else for his problems, from his ex-wives (5) to my dad.
Seven years ago, my brother went into rehab and came out clean. He got home the day before my birthday and died that night of a massive heart attack. We got a letter from the chaplain at the rehab who said my brother had found peace with God while there.
I was so angry with my brother for so long and had carried that baggage behind me. What Shane said made me realize that I had not really let that anger go, and needed to lay it at the foot of the Cross. I have done that, but I cannot talk to my brother and tell him how much I love him and miss him. He died before I had the chance---and I will live with that regret for the rest of my life.
The main thing I would like everyone to know: Do not wait to make peace with a sibling or parent. We truly are not guaranteed tomorrow. Call the person you love and let them know you love them no matter what.
Seven years ago, my brother went into rehab and came out clean. He got home the day before my birthday and died that night of a massive heart attack. We got a letter from the chaplain at the rehab who said my brother had found peace with God while there.
I was so angry with my brother for so long and had carried that baggage behind me. What Shane said made me realize that I had not really let that anger go, and needed to lay it at the foot of the Cross. I have done that, but I cannot talk to my brother and tell him how much I love him and miss him. He died before I had the chance---and I will live with that regret for the rest of my life.
The main thing I would like everyone to know: Do not wait to make peace with a sibling or parent. We truly are not guaranteed tomorrow. Call the person you love and let them know you love them no matter what.
Praying peace over you Darlene---thank you for sharing your experience and your message with all of us.
The Living Letters series continues as long as there are stories (or even praise reports) to share, and I'm always looking for submissions. If you would like to contribute something about how Signed, Sealed, Delivered has impacted your life (or even your wardrobe) that you'd be willing to share here on A&D, feel free to email me. Keep the good going and submit yours today!
The Living Letters series continues as long as there are stories (or even praise reports) to share, and I'm always looking for submissions. If you would like to contribute something about how Signed, Sealed, Delivered has impacted your life (or even your wardrobe) that you'd be willing to share here on A&D, feel free to email me. Keep the good going and submit yours today!
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