THE CALL
Letting Go
Photo by Brett Jordan on Unsplash
We have all inadvertently hurt a family member or friend by our words or actions… we are human. After offering a sincere apology and receiving forgiveness, does that family member or friend continuously mention the transgression they claimed to have forgiven? It is frustrating and painful, isn’t it?
Although these people have always been important in our lives, and we love them, enough is enough. They have become toxic and threaten our peace of mind. We should not have to apologize repeatedly or be expected to. It might not be easy, but it is time to let go. We need not do so with malice but with love and a prayer that God will bless them with all that is good and that someday they can open their eyes and hearts.
Dr. Steve Mariboli said, "We would do ourselves a tremendous favor by letting go of the people who poison our spirit." I wholeheartedly agree. Do not let anyone define you by your past, regardless of how much you love them. I can say with certainty and thanksgiving that we are not defined by our mistakes but by the love and mercy of God.
"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, deluded, slaves to various desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another. But when the kindness and generous love of God our Savior appeared, not because of any righteous deeds we had done, but because of his mercy, he saved us through the bath of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he richly poured out on us through Jesus Christ, our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in the hope of eternal life. This saying is trustworthy." Titus 3:5-8
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About the Author
Patti J. Mitchell (formerly Smith) is a devoted Catholic and pro-life advocate. She shares her journey from a life of sinful excess to redemption across the country, including pro-life conferences, to members of Congress, at the March for Life in Washington, D.C., and the Walks for Life in San Diego and San Francisco. She has been a guest on several radio shows, including Immaculate Heart Radio and Radio Maria. She also appears in two documentaries, "The Sidewalk Chronicles" and "Hush."
Patti writes Christian devotionals. One of them, "Redeemed – Rosary Meditations for Post-Abortive Women," is used at healing retreats and written in a way to be used by all denominations. Her most recent release is "And God Still Loves Me – A Story of Hope and Healing." She has also had articles published in the National Catholic Register, Life News, and the Southern Cross.
She is a retired background investigator, married and lives in Puyallup, Washington.
