Forgiven / 2024

Forgiven / 2024

Mixed Media Collage On Canvas

16" X 20"

As I was asking the Lord to search my heart and show me anyone that I had not forgiven going back to my childhood,  I was surprised by some of the names and faces that came to mind.  Many times we forgive and then find the person continues to come to mind.  Believeing they owe us an apology is a sure sign we have not fully forgiven them.  It's easy to forget offences that happened early in life and not recognize we still need to forgive.

I journaled each name and took each person before the Lord in the secret place. As I continued in this the Lord gave me a picture of dandelions. Blooms were being taken up by the wind (Holy Spirit) and I knew this was symbolic of letting go and forgiving.

A close friend joined me in prayer as well. As I pictured each person, our eyes met and I spoke the offense outloud and forgave them. Then I set my eyes on Jesus, took the hand of the person and we both walked over to Jesus and stood before Him. At that point I put their hand in Jesus' hand declaring that I had forgiven them and was now releasing them to Him. They were much too heavy a burden for me to carry and I waited until I felt His peace. This process was so powerful and freeing! I'll continue as long as it takes to be totally free and have nothing hindering my journey to go up higher in the Lord.

 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (Ephesians 4:32)

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. (Mark 11:25)

If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

(Matthew 7:26)