Memories

Memories (By Tim Klink of Prison Discipleship Ministry)

I have such good memories of growing up with my mom, dad, and sister. We had the normal issues that every person and family face as we grow and mature, but one thing was unmistakable; we loved each other greatly. That love was shown to my sister and me by the amount of time our parents spent with us, making us a part of their lives. Instead of just telling us what to do, they would often help us with it. Mom was always home when we got home from school, and dad took me with him as he went on his chores at the hardware, and even at his work.

As I moved from childhood to the military I saw a completely different world. It was a world of people who didn’t have a loving family to look back on, but rather, a family filled with hate greed, and pride that became a part of the children’s lives. When I was discharged, came home and married the love of my life, things began to return somewhat to the family life I had known. There were certainly challenges as all families have, but there was love present and not hate.

Then I begin to remember all of the “stupid” things that I have done. Things that were sinful, and things that hurt my family as well as others. The guilt and shame that I experience can seem overwhelming. How anyone could ever love me, and forgive me, weighs heavy in my thoughts.

But then my thoughts turn to Jesus, the One who comes along side of me, and gently tells me that it is all right, because He has taken care of it. The forgiveness others show me is His love through them. It is then that I realize the source of those thoughts of failure are not from God but from Satan trying to separate me from God’s love through Jesus. Joy returns and a great peace until the next time Satan tries to interrupt my fellowship with God.

Philippians 3:13-14

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.