A SINCERE HEART OF FORGIVENESS

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By Linda Ruggles and Melody Heal—

God will shake you up when you least expect it! I remember the day I woke up and checked my Facebook page. Isn’t that what we all do these days? Wondering why I wasn’t seeing news from one of my dearest friends I clicked on her page and found she had “defriended” me. I also remember thinking, what has this world come to when a friend of over 25 years can “defriend” you? Then the questions started; what happened, what did I do, why wouldn’t she just tell me something was wrong? The big question, why?

I cried, I prayed, I cried, and then I wrote a card and sent it through snail mail. This seemed the perfect time to actually use a pen, paper and stamp. Even though I had no idea what the problem was, I heard God say, apologize and let me work. And so I did.

Several days after the note was sent an email came; “Thank you for writing. I have things to work out and I can’t talk to you for a while, and I have no idea for how long.” There was no explanation as to what had happened or what I had done. I cried, I prayed, I cried, and prayed some more.

For almost six months, I prayed daily for healing to our relationship. I let go and let God handle it, but I never stopped asking for healing. I missed my friend. I missed our times of praying for our kids and for each other. Was she OK? Did she think of me as I thought of her? Would the empty feeling ever leave? There were days that were harder than others. Days when I truly needed my friend to pray with me, but God was faithful to get me through those days.

In speaking with a new friend, a very young Christian who was working through issues of his own with broken relationships, I was able to share my “defriended” story. He asked me what I would do if she ever came back and asked to be my friend again. Without a moment hesitation I said, “I would welcome her back with open arms.” That was hard for him to understand, but I explained it is what we are called to do as those who love our forgiving Heavenly Father. At that moment, I truly felt there would be healing and I would be able to show my young friend how God works.

Not more than one week later, the email came asking for forgiveness. Of course the tears flowed. I praised God for His faithfulness. I shared the news with my new young friend and I rejoiced that my sweet companion of many years was back in my life. In the meantime, my new acquaintance saw the joy I had and understood what healing could mean. This resulted with Him beginning a journey to find his own mother and forgive her for what she did to him as a young boy.

God’s timing is always perfect! If we simply let go and let Him, He will always keep His promises!

Listening raptly to Linda, one of my tried and true friends and prayer partner of 13 years, unfold the phases of this story brought assured confidence once again in God’s word. Since Linda believed the promise Luke 6:37, “Forgive and you will be forgiven” (NKJ), she reaped the blessing and benefits of a restored relationship. Her willingness to surrender her pride and hurt while offering a sincere apology restored life and love and healing to her cherished friendship of many years. Is there someone today you need to call or mail a pen and pencil note to, offering a sincere heart of forgiveness? Why not do it now! God’s promise is waiting for you.

 

 

 

Melody Heal: A life-long joy and passion of Melody’s has been mentoring and sharing life with women of all ages encouraging them to grasp hold of the full potential the Lord has for them. The empty nest season has provided Melody a new luxury of living out her heart’s desire working professionally as a Christian school administrator, serving as the Featured Resource Writer for My Purpose Now website along with speaking at women’s events. Her greatest delight is being married to her husband Doug while being inspired by her two married children and their devoted Christ-following soul mates who all live in Southern California. Melody has proven to be passionate about prayer walking, gardening, and helping women identify, rekindle, and achieve their God inspired dreams. Interested in having her at your next event, contact her at: mfheal@gmail.com