About the Author

At (in)courage, we empower women to be like Jesus. Our writers share what’s going on in their life and how God’s right in the middle of it. They bring their joys & struggles so that you can feel less alone and be empowered by the hope Jesus gives.

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things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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Comments

  1. I cannot put into words what your message is doing to my heart. I was very deeply wounded in childhood also. In these last few days, the Lord has made it clear, I am not to blame anyone including myself. Jesus finished work on the cross not only took care of all my sins but the sins of others against me. WOW! Also, His Word in Rom. 8:1 makes it very clear there is NOW no condemnation for us in Christ Jesus!!! Amazing, no more condemnation even when I hear it come thru the voice of another, I do not receive it but assure myself that Jesus took care of it. I never thought of forgiving those who hurt me and made me question my worth until you stated it. Thank you! I am taking it all to the Lord and trust His ability to heal me.

  2. Such an important topic! How do we forgive those who made us feel worthless, especially if they did it during our childhood? So many people need to hear this message, and to know that they were never worthless. But the healing does need to come through forgiveness, of the other and of ourselves. Thank you for being brave enough to go there. You are an inspiration.

  3. Angela, I love your writing. Isn’t it ironic that your last name now contains the word “worth”? Maybe that was God’s way of making sure you are reminded of your worth every single day!

  4. I’ve been working through some negative patterns in my life lately, trying to pinpoint the source, and this chapter was very timely for me. In part because I realized that wounds inflicted by someone in the past were unforgiven and affecting me deeply, but also that I was using that as excuse for my behavior (“she made me this way”). It really helped to be reminded of the real enemy!
    Colossians 3:12-14 really stood out to me – being compassionate and kind and humble and patient, because that hurt wasn’t inflicted on purpose, just out of misguidedness, and, of course, forgiving.

  5. Our pastor played the video of “Piece by Piece” on the screen for the invitation a week ago Sunday. I believe he was amazed at the feedback he received from so many hurting members w/ fathers who have walked away. There were not many dry eyes in the place.
    So thankful for Jesus’ promise to never leave us and also that He will give us soul rest 🙂

  6. Absolutely! Yes there is pain. My pain stems from abandonment. I had a rocky childhood and then later in life a rocky first marriage. I know in my heart I have forgiven the abuses but like you, there are times that those scars flare up and a new sense of grief washes over me. Pain over lost innocence, pain over betrayals, pain over feeling inadequate, etc, etc. I haven’t quite determined what is causing the fresh pain but I know God is faithful and will reveal it to me as I seek Him out. I didn’t quite realize that I may need to take this deeper with God until I read your post about possible hidden layers of unforgiveness. I think I highlighted every scripture listed but the one that spoke the most to my heart was Eph 4:31-32 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you (do not allow these feelings to take root within your heart) along with all malice. Be kind to one another (so much as it depends upon you), tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Amen!! And thank you for sharing your heart!

  7. Angela,
    Ephesians: 4:26-27 Do not let the sun go down on your anger and not give the devil an opportunity. Is a go to scripture for me. I tend to get upset/mad with my hubby. I understand that if I let it fester then I’m giving the devil an upper hand to build a wedge between us. I’ve learned through the movie and the book to pray about everything. Don’t nag or argue–just pray and ask God to work on your hubby!
    Matthew 5:44-45 Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your father who is in Heaven. That one struck a chord with me also. I never really experienced persecution per say. Some people just grate on your nerves and make being around them unbearable. In light of that I have tried praying for them. Maybe God would soften their hearts some.
    Blessings 🙂

  8. I understand this struggle too well. My parents separated when I was three, and while I sort of had a relationship with him throughout my childhood, he shut the door to it completely 16 years ago. I’ve never understood why. Almost 10 years ago, due to depression, my mom also closed the doors to our relationship, her illness isolating her from everyone who loved her. I could forgive both my parents for shutting me out, but it took years to be able to forgive them for the hurt it caused. It’s still something I have to purposefully undertake regularly, but I am thankful God gives me the help I need to do it.