Hi Friend!

Welcome back to Tales of Grace—I’m so glad you’re here. It’s been a little while since I last wrote for our Redefining Healing series, and today, I want to share something deeply personal: my journey to forgiveness and freedom.

For years, I carried the weight of my past like a heavy burden, unable to release the pain and resentment that had taken root in my heart. I blamed myself for what had happened to me and struggled to forgive those who had inflicted deep wounds. Forgiveness felt impossible—like a door forever locked, with freedom from my past on the other side, just out of reach.

But as I walked deeper in my journey with Christ, I began to realize that holding onto bitterness was keeping me captive. The chains of unforgiveness weren’t just affecting my relationships with others—they were also straining my relationship with God. The more I clung to my pain, the more I found myself imprisoned by it.

I remember the turning point vividly. During a campus prayer meeting, a friend encouraged me to share my story. At first, I resisted. Shame and the fear of judgment held me back, convincing me that my pain was better left hidden. But with her support and the gentle leading of the Holy Spirit, I finally opened up. I spoke about the anger I harbored toward the person who had hurt me, the guilt that kept me from forgiving myself, and the fractured relationship with my mother that weighed heavily on my heart.

As I shared, something unexpected happened—I felt a glimmer of hope. It was as if God Himself was whispering to me, reminding me of His words in Psalm 103:12:

“As far as the east is from the west, so far does He remove our transgressions from us.”

If God, in His infinite mercy, had forgiven me so completely, who was I to withhold forgiveness from myself or others?

The journey to forgiveness wasn’t easy. It required intentionality, prayer, and a daily choice to lean on God’s strength rather than my own. One verse became my anchor during this season:

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” ~ Ephesians 4:32

I began to see that forgiveness isn’t about whether someone deserves it; it’s about extending the same grace that has been poured out on us.

Forgiving the person who had hurt me felt like scaling a mountain. There were days when the pain resurfaced, and I wondered if I had truly forgiven. But each time I surrendered it to God, He softened my heart a little more. Through counseling, I gained tools to process my emotions in a healthy way. My church community and close friends stood beside me, reminding me that healing is not meant to be walked alone.

Yet, the hardest part was learning to forgive myself. I had spent years replaying my mistakes, convincing myself that I was beyond redemption. But God’s Word spoke a truth I couldn’t ignore:

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” ~ 2 Corinthians 5:17

I wasn’t defined by my past—I was defined by His love and redemption. Slowly, I began to believe it.

Letting go of the past didn’t happen overnight, but with each step of surrender, I experienced a freedom I never thought possible. The chains of bitterness and shame loosened, replaced by peace and joy. I learned that forgiveness isn’t about pretending the hurt didn’t happen—it’s about releasing its grip and trusting God to bring healing and justice in His perfect time.

If you’re struggling to forgive, know that you’re not alone. Forgiveness is a journey, and it’s one we don’t have to walk alone. God’s grace is sufficient, and His strength is made perfect in our weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9). Bring your pain to Him, and trust that He will guide you toward freedom, one step at a time.

Forgiveness is a gift—not just to those we forgive, but to ourselves. When we let go of the past, we make room for God to write a new story—one of hope, healing, and redemption.

If you’ve ever had to forgive someone, or if you’re on that journey right now, I’d love to hear your story. Please share it in the comments below, or reach out to me if you’d like your story to be featured on the blog (anonymously, if you prefer).

And don’t forget to pre-order your Loved Beyond Measure journal—it’s a beautiful companion for anyone walking through their own healing journey. You can also find it on Amazon.

With love and grace,
The Founder of Tales of Grace

PS: It’s the first of March tomorrow, and I’m starting a challenge! I’ll be reading a chapter a day from the book of Proverbs, asking the Lord to help me apply His wisdom in my everyday life. If you’d like to join me, let me know in the comments—I’d love to journey with you! Share this post with your friends. You never know who might need to hear this message of grace today.