Sometimes I wish there was a way to go back and erase certain events, memories and decisions we made from our history.
I wish we could just blot it out of our minds and anyone else’s.
The past has a weird way of sticking with us.. even if we know we are made new and forgiven.
Even if we’ve forgiven others and have moved forward.
I talk to people often about their pasts.
And I often hear about shame and regret.
I hear about bitterness, betrayal and so much hurt.
But I also often hear a deep, deep sadness in their voices that comes with accepting that they can’t change their past.
A sadness that comes from not liking the realities of their own story.
It brings tears to my eyes often because I know the feeling.
I’ve learned a few things though.
First, God doesn’t let our hardships go in vain.
I know it’s hard to believe that in the moment, but He can literally make beauty out of any tragedy.
Even from our past.
Second, you might just find that someone else needs your story exactly as it is.
Someone else out there needs to hear that they aren’t alone, that they weren’t the only one, and that someone else has survived and overcome what they too are struggling with from their own story.
Your story may be what gives someone hope. Maybe for the first time.
That’s why I want to encourage you not to keep it a secret.
I know you don’t want to share some of the things. They make you feel gross, embarrassed or maybe you think people will judge you.
I get that. And sometimes our story should only be shared with trusted people.
However, when we don’t like our own story, the very best thing we can do is let God use it for His glory.
Because He absolutely will if we give it to Him.
If we let Him rewrite the rest of it, it will be a life that points to the Creator and His goodness.
It’s pretty amazing to think about how there is nothing God can’t redeem. Nothing.
When we see a failure, or a waste of life, or a “it-could-have-been-way-better” perspective...
God sees a life of redemption.
When we don’t like our story, God sees the whole of it.
He knows it isn’t over.
~Kelli Bachara, The Unraveling Podcast
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