May 9, 2010

Gifts Of Forgiveness

Each Mothers Day I share this testimomy in hopes that it will heal a relationship between a Mother and child. Tomorrow is not promised to anyone of us, each day is an opportunity to make things right.

When I go home to visit my mom who is now in a private care home, there is always an excitement in my spirit when I see her, yet a sadness in my soul each time I have to leave and look back to say goodbye to her.

 I just want to pack her things up and take her back home with me. But because of her medical conditions, I was told she had to be cared for by someone with experience. Leaving her in a care home was very hard for me, and still is today.

Mom and I have not always had the best relationship in my early years growing up. But with God's strength and the power of his love within me, I was able to forgive, and asked her forgiveness as well.

What a day and moment of healing for the both of us many years ago. Jesus said in Mark 11:25.. And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone forgive (leave it, let it go, ) in order that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you, your [own] failings and short comings.

Unforgiveness keeps us "stuck." Forgiving "frees" us to move on. How could I minister to other women, when I had an unforgiving spirit toward the most important woman in my life. God's calling in my life could not be fulfilled till I made peace with her and our past.

You see forgiveness is not saying what was done to you was okay, or excusing the hurt and pain someone caused in your life. Forgiveness is something you do for yourself, so your spirit, soul, and mind, are no longer prisoners of the past, or the person that hurt you.

Forgiveness says.. Lord as your child, I need to forgive because I need your forgiveness as well. I now leave my past with you, I leave this person with you, it is no longer mine to carry or battle with. I need to do this so I can move on with my life. The best Mother's Day Gift we ever gave each other was the gift of forgiveness.

Dear Lord, I thank you for the new love you poured into my soul one day , that I was also able to pour out to my mom. I pray if there is someone reading this that struggles with forgiving their own mom or someone in their life, that they will call upon you today and be filled with your power of love, your spirit of forgiveness, and strength beyond their own, to begin their journey toward healing.

Encouragement From My Heart Devotions
Copyright 2007-2010 Written By: Lorie A. Yocum

19 comments:

Rilda said...

Blessings Sistah!! Amen! Forgiveness is so important to live a fulfilled life. On the cross Jesus did and we are to do what He did. Our lives are so much sweeter and complete when we are in that circle of love [God]. Continued blessings flow your way as you face each day. Love YOU! And Have a blessed Mother's Day!! rilda *U*

Denise said...

Such a powerful, andtruthful post. I love you.

Nikki (Sarah) said...

the hardest thing I had to do was to forgive me....Happy Mother's Day. Sarah

Kaye Swain said...

What a sweet devotional and inspirational Bible verse. Excellent points throughout.. I pray for God to comfort and encourage you and your senior mom. Thank you for a lovely Mother's Day Spiritual Sunday. Have a blessed week! :)

From the Heart said...

It's good to have you back. I've missed you and I missed your previous post probably because we went to visit our daughter in VB. I'm so glad your retreat was a good one.

Yes, forgiveness is the key to a better relationship with those who have hurt you in some way and brings you closer to God for doing as He would want us to do.

Hope you've had a blessed Mother's Day.

Love you, AE

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Hi Lorie,
Your post really touched me today because my mother and I have never been very close. It makes me sad because one of these days she will no longer be with us. The Lord has blessed me however with an incredible husband and children and they have made up for all the heartache. I am so happy for you that your relationship has been healed. Thank you for sharing and I pray you are having a beautiful Mother's Day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

Mark 11:25, what a great verse!I need to read this from time to time. You have such a kind heart.
Blessings,
Ginger

Lynda R Young as Elle Cardy said...

Forgiveness is crucial. God's love is key. Through God's power we can forgive. Blessings to you on Mother's Day.

Barbara said...

Amen, yes forgiveness is one of the hardest things to do, but we gain more satisfaction from it than anything else we do. God bless you and so happy your mom and you have a good relationship now, I hope you did have a wonderful Mothers' Day, Hugs Barbara from http://bakinnbitsbarbara.blogspot.com/

Daughter of the KING said...

Having just lost my mom 7 months ago, your post really spoke to me. There was a time in our lives that God also had to heal. I am so thankful that at her time to go be with the Lord we had found forgiveness for each other.

Thank you for sharing your heart with us.

Charlotte said...

This is a beautiful post, Lorie. I'm so glad you were able to make peace with your mother. Thank you for sharing your heart once again with us.
Charlotte

Debra said...

Hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day! I loved the post-so true, and so heartfelt!
Love, Debra

Debra said...

Yes, dear one, I will pray for you. It's great to be 'talking' again....
Love, Debra

Rachel said...

Thanks for sharing your story. I too had a bad relationship with my mom growing up and I thought it was all her. But as I drew near to God He brought healing in many relationships and the one with my Mom was a big one. God showed me my part, He brought deep understanding which lead to compassion and forgiveness.

Today we have a tremendous close friendship. I cherish her. What changed? God changed my heart toward her and it changed everything.

Rachel

Jonny J Petros said...

Beautifully written and very wise I love this post and will come back to read it again a few times.I hope you realise how many people you help with your writing. You are wonderful. Have a beautiful weekend, Jonny

Ginny said...

What a beautiful thing forgiveness is! When we forgive, we are set free to truly live!
Thank you for this testimony.

Terri Tiffany said...

This was beautiful!! I can imagine how you must feel each time you leave her. I worked in a nursing home as a Social Worker and I know how many families feel.
SO you are from Hawaii! My first visit from someone over there. We visited there a few years ago and you are surely blessed to live there. Beautiful!

Annesphamily said...

I can not get my e mail to work tonight so here is my address for the postcard exchange! I am Anne Robinson 10844 Mildred Drive Northglenn, CO. 80233.

Thanks so much for participating and blessings to you! Anne

journeyman said...

Wow! It has been some time since I have come to visit your page. This was breath taking. I lived in bitterness towards my dad for many years... it was so hard to let go. The power of forgiveness brings peace and joy!

It has been over a year since I took the same step with my dad, I forgave him and also asked him to forgive me for all the years I had lived in bitterness towards him.

God bless you!