Holding unto the pain of the past can hinder the move of God in your life. Some of the hurts you often go through comes through family ties. When you think about the family, you would say they should be closest to you but it is not always the case. Your family is supposed to know your good and bad qualities, your strengths and weaknesses. However, sometimes you realize you don’t really know them—especially when they do something that is totally out of character but you can’t divorce them, they are already blood. One of my mother’s favorite sayings is, “Blood is thicker than water.” Yes that maybe true, but some of the most painful experiences one might go through at times occurs from family ties either through blood lineage or through marriage.

The wounds inflicted brings deep pain to the heart but you cannot give up without trying to resolve the issues. Life is filled with many challenges and that also includes relationships with family members. Sometimes it is not family by blood that covers you, pours love and kindness on you and makes your space a happy place. Rather, it is those that are adopted through established relationships in Christ and friendships.

Christ created the family structure and covered it with His love and grace. Therefore, family members should care for each other and not take the relationships for granted with a lack of appreciation for the many sacrifices that are made to accommodate them and assist them.

Forgiveness is a key element for the success and growth of the family. Unforgiveness breathes stagnation, setback and disappointment in lives and creates havoc in friendships and relationships .  You must focus on living your life for what lies ahead tomorrow, and not focus on the negativity that you went through yesterday. You must let the past go, so you can enjoy the future that God has set aside for you. Hugs don’t make up for the disappointments but it is a good way to start something new by burying the pain.

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. —Colossians 3:16 ESV

You are defined by how well you rise after a fall and not by what you went through. Refresh your mind, replenish your heart with positive thoughts and rejuvenate the relationship with your family and your loved ones by spending quality time with them. Finally, untangle yourself from the past residues and don’t try to walk in another person’s shoe, when you can create your own footprints and tell your story.

Prayer: Heavenly Father please forgive me for my wrongs, give me the courage to acknowledge the things I have done to hurt others. Father for those that hurt me I release them today from my heart and extend forgiveness to them today. Father help me to move on from my past, strengthen me to face tomorrow in Jesus name I pray, amen!