All that time I had allowed that root of bitterness to fester in my soul, I had also felt rejected. Rejection was screaming at me, but I had given an entrance to it through unforgiveness. At that time, I didn’t know what an open door unforgiveness is for the enemy to come in and harm our bodies, our minds, and our relationships. I hadn’t yet identified who the tormentors, or torturers, were that come when we refuse to forgive and release others from their debt of sin against us

For many long years, I was held captive in a prison of shame without even realizing it. I want to share with you how God delivered me from the invisible prison that I suffered in for so much of my life. I am sharing my story with you for two reasons: because I want to give glory to God, and because I believe it will help you realize that, through Jesus’ powerful work on the Cross, you can also be delivered from shame.

This mother was not planning on the worst outcome. She was planning on the ultimate best outcome. And she immediately went into action — not to plan a funeral, but to prepare for the resurrection of her dead son!

Because Rick was so focused on fulfilling the vision God had given him for our ministry — as he needed to be — I didn’t feel I was as important to him as the people he had to give time and attention to in those early days. I felt as though I had been left on the side of the road! In fact, that’s how my lonely road of isolation and despair began — with one negative feeling!

If we don’t make sure that we know who we are in God’s eyes, someone else will tell us who we are, and what that person says might not be true or reliable information. That’s why it’s so important that we keep our ears open to what God says about us.