You’ve heard the saying, ‘let go and let God.’ But how do
you let go when the past haunts you? What do you do when your past follows you
and taps you on the shoulders from time to time? How about the past circumstance
that has a direct impact on your present situation and your future
possibilities? How do you let go when you stare at your past every single day
that you breathe life. How do you move
on?
Moving on is not an easy thing to do but it is a required
thing to do. Listening to Sarah Jakes Roberts, I was reminded that “…the climb is gonna require that you lighten
your load.” In other words, the baggage that you carry around by holding on
to things will impact your ability to move into your future.
Learn to forgive! Forgiving does not mean that you forget
about the past. However, it does mean that you open up your heart for the
healing process to begin. It means that you give permission to yourself to move
on, to grow, and to learn from your experience. Forgiveness allows you to
re-assert control over your life. Once you truly forgive, the triggers that
resurface from time to time will not wrap you up in bondage. Instead, they will
be moments of gratitude for you. Moments when you recognize the grace and power
of God working in your life.
Forgiveness is not always about the other person. It’s also
important that you forgive yourself. Forgive yourself for your actions, your
mistakes, your thoughts. As humans, we all have points in life where we fall
vulnerable to something or someone. Drugs. Sex. Money. Power. Control. Alcohol.
Insecurity. Violence. Emptiness. That vulnerability may look different for each
of us, but at some point, we all fall short. Accept that truth, forgive
yourself, and move forward.
Your baggage might not be a past situation or
disappointment. Your baggage might be a person. You have found ways to justify a
relationship. You might need the connection in the future. You don’t want to
hurt anyone’s feelings. What would the person do without you? Perhaps you think
the relationship is worth keeping because the conversations and meet-ups are
sporadic. Take some time to really assess things. What does the relationship
really add to your life? What impact is the relationship having on your life?
As we continue to grow and mature, it’s important to learn
how to let go. Genesis 12:1 shows us that, sometimes, everything and everyone
cannot travel with us. The Lord had said
to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the
land I will show you.” We must only hold onto the things and people we
truly need. The things and people who add value. The things and people who
challenge us to be better. The things and people who help us to push forward.

If you were preparing for a climb, what would you carry on
your journey? How would you narrow down the essentials? Who would you want
alongside you? Who and/or what would you leave behind? How would you lighten the
load?
Your climb is approaching! Start lightening your load!
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