Everyone has a past. Some are pretty dark, but God brought them into the light. Yet, I meet people who are still chained to their pasts. At least they believe they are.

Forgiving yourself is the hardest kind of forgiveness. It’s necessary because then you can grow. You can never forget your past, but when you forgive yourself you see how God can use it to help others.

If this is one of your life challenges, I encourage you to start on the path to self-forgiveness by making a list of everything you are grateful for. Gratitude changes us. Our view of the world grows. We see the art and beauty in other people, and that includes those who are still living in darkness…