True forgiveness is often easier said than
done. Oh, the words are simple to say. “You’re Forgiven.” “Apology accepted.” “I’m
fine, don’t worry about it.” For the minor bruises of everyday life, they work.
But simple words don’t heal soul deep hurts. The cliché of time healing all
wounds doesn’t work either. In fact, time and distance can make forgivness much
harder.
I understand the indifference that masquerades as forgiveness. My father left his
family when I was twelve. He left three confused children and one very bitter
wife behind. For the next six or seven years what contact I had with my father
was tainted by the negative opinions of my mother. Dad’s overtures at a
relationship were spotty, probably due to the reception he received from me when
he made the effort.
Over time I began to believe that I’d done
the Christian thing and forgiven him, even though I didn’t care if I saw him,
and didn’t have a lot to say to him when I did. You see, I’d allowed the indifference
of time and distance to layer over the hurt, like a lava dome over a volcano. I
was actually grateful for what I called God given indifference.
It
took a confrontation with my sister to drive home the fact that I had not
extended forgiveness to my father.
During a visit with my dad, he asked me to
contact my sister to extend an olive branch on his behalf. A few days later I
spoke to my sister and relayed our father’s message. The bitterness that broke
through in her own life convicted me of the unforgivness lingering in my own. I
was heartbroken to see some of my own attitudes reflected in her words.
Forgivness wasn’t an easy road, but when I finally
opened my heart to God’s healing touch, I was able to move beyond the hurt and rebuild
a relationship with my father before he passed away. Knowing that he went to be
with the Lord with my love in his heart, instead of anger and bitterness has
been a source if immeasurable comfort since he’s been gone. The only regret I
have is that I didn’t allow it to happen sooner.
Forgivness is the greatest gift God offers
us. Forgiving others allows us to accept that gift in full measure.
Pam’s
divorce broke her heart. The cruelty of her ex-husband broke her spirit. A
bottle of sleeping pills almost took her life. Four years later the scars of
Alan Archer’s emotional abuse are beginning to fade under the love of her new
husband. When Alan returns to Garfield, Pam must learn that buried secrets and
carefully cultivated indifference do not equal forgiveness.
Alan
Archer has returned to Garfield with a new wife and a terminal heart condition.
His mission? To leave a Christian legacy for his children and to gain Pam’s
forgiveness for the sins of his past.
Two
hearts hang in the balance waiting for the delicate touch of God’s healing
hands.
ABOUT SHARON SROCK:
Author
Sharon Srock went from science fiction to Christian fiction at slightly less
than warp speed. Twenty five years ago, she cut her writer's teeth on Star Trek
fiction. Today, she writes inspirational stories that focus on ordinary women
using their faith to accomplish extraordinary things. Sharon lives in the
middle of nowhere Oklahoma with her husband and three very large dogs. Her
books include: The Women of Valley View: Callie and The Women of Valley View:
Terri, both of which are currently available. The Women of Valley View: Pam
will release 11 April 2014.
Connect
with her at www.sharonsrock.com.
Please visit her AMAZON page to find
current info on her books:
Free PDF: MEET THE WOME OF VALLEY VIEW:
Free Novella: FOR MERCIE’S SAKE
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