March 10 Let That Go, Sis!

Sharon Campbell-Danvers Shepherdess CIC, North Side SDA Church

Theme: The Power of Forgiveness in a Grudge-Holding World

 "And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you." — Ephesians 4:32 (KJV)

Forgive? But how can I? It is much easier said than done. Do they truly understand what I have been through? Do they know the depth of the hurt and pain I have endured? Even if I forgive, how can I possibly forget?

 Many of us carry unseen burdens—weights that others cannot perceive but are imprinted on our hearts, minds, and memories. We hold on to hurt, pain, and anger. Letting go feels impossible, especially when the wounds are inflicted by those closest to us. Some have been abandoned by a parent, molested, raped, neglected, or emotionally abused. Others have been beaten, falsely accused, or made to feel as though they do not belong. Can you relate? Or do you know someone who has walked this painful path?

 The effects of such trauma run deep, leaving scars that make hearts grow bitter and cold. The pain intensifies when trust is shattered by betrayal, infidelity, or broken promises. How can we let go? I wrestled with these very questions for years. The sting of neglect from my father and the mistreatment by my step-parents left me wounded. There were days when I wished I could disappear—when life felt unbearable. I heard sermons on forgiveness, but they only made me feel more inadequate. I wanted to believe I had forgiven, but how could I when the pain still lingered? How could I forget when the wounds, though invisible, still bled in my soul?

 Then, I attended a retreat in Barbados. There, the Holy Spirit spoke clearly to my heart: "Let it go!" At first, I resisted. How could I simply release the bitterness and anger that had become a part of me? But as I knelt in prayer, I was reminded of the suffering of Jesus. I saw myself standing beneath the cross, a sinner needing grace. And then, in that moment of surrender, I realized I had also let down my Jesus. I had abandoned Him by clinging to unforgiveness.

 With tears streaming down my face, I cried out, "Lord, help me to let it go!" And guess what? He did.

• Let It Go, Sisters.
• Let go of the pain and feel the peace that passeth all understanding.
• Let go of the anger and allow God to restore what has been broken.
• Let go of the bitterness and embrace the healing love of Jesus.
• Let it go and be free.

 Dear Heavenly Father,

I come before You with an open heart, burdened by the pain of the past. Lord, You see the wounds I carry, the disappointments, the betrayals, and the deep sorrows that have weighed me down. I know You have called me to forgive, just as You have forgiven me. But, Lord, it is hard. I ask You now to help me release the hurt, to surrender the bitterness, and to embrace the healing that only You can give. Soften my heart, Lord, and fill it with Your love. Remind me that forgiveness is not about excusing the wrong but freeing myself from its chains. Jesus, You carried my sins upon the cross, and I am made whole through Your sacrifice. Help me to walk in that freedom. Let Your peace, which passeth all understanding, guard my heart and mind. Restore the joy that has been stolen, and let my life reflect Your grace and mercy. Thank You, Lord, for Your unending love and the strength to let go.

In Jesus' name, Amen.