Marinating....Forgiveness

This year we had a HUGE heartbreak to our family, one that no mother ever wants to face. There was a boundary crossed by one of our family friends whom we have trusted for over 10 years. We watched our children grow up. We mentored and protected them (well we thought we all did). It was and is a good reminder for us today to never give satan even a small crack or foothold into your lives. He seeks only to destroy, and that is exactly what he has done to our relationships.

Regardless, it's been almost 5 months since we've spoken. My heart has been heavy since day one to reach out to the mom (who had been my one of my best friends for over 10 years) however, that's why I think it's natural for me to want to reach out to her, but when my pride jumps in and says "Hey, they did this to you!" and "They should be apologizing to me!" I reel back and don't take that step. It's been a roller coaster for months now.

After reading these last few chapters I really feel God telling me, once again, to take the first step. I know He has already forgiven them and I know it will not put the pieces back like they were before, however, it's a healing process that God will ultimately use for His glory. So please pray with me as I work to start a letter to her. I think this way would be the best way to say things from my heart and not causing any defenses to arise.

My favorite quote from Chapter 4 is "When you and I focus on how we've been done wrong in our past, we do not focus on how we've been done right by Jesus!"
 
So I may not feel orphaned but definitely feel abandoned. I pray I feel adopted once again into a circle of friends who I can always trust. Thank you for your prayers!