Bitterness is heavy. It’s a heavy burden, a weight that I carried from past hurts and disappointments. When I was in high school, I felt a lot of bitterness. Bitterness toward God when my mom was diagnosed with cancer. Bitterness toward the church for hurt done unto me and my family. Bitterness toward life for not turning out the way I imagined. I was drowning in harbored hurt. I could not seem to let go of it, my hands were holding on. My parents were great role models and embodied grace and forgiveness in the face of difficult times. One day, my mom said to me, “Brooklin, when you are holding on to bitterness with both hands, your hands aren’t open to receive the beautiful blessings that God has for you.” That completely changed my perspective.
Through prayer, reflection, and a newfound willingness to surrender my pain, I began to sense a transformation within. God gently whispered into the depths of my heart, urging me to release the bitterness that had become a barrier between us. It was a process, a journey of letting go and allowing God’s grace to mend my heart.
I discovered that God’s redemption wasn’t just about healing wounds; it was about transforming my perspective. I found more confidence to live my life according to the beautiful plan God had for me because even though my life surely would have more tribulation and pain, God heals and helps us.
I learned that redemption doesn’t erase the memory of pain; rather, it redefines its purpose. The scars became a testament to God’s faithfulness, a reminder that He could turn even the darkest chapters of my life into stories of His grace. In surrendering my bitterness, I found a renewed purpose and a deeper connection to my faith.