Imagine being thrown out of your parents’ home at thirteen years old, because your mother couldn’t stand the sight of you. According to her, “I don’t like the look of you. You gotta go.” That was it—plain and simple.
After sleeping over at friends for a while, a friend’s mother decided to take you in and nurtured you in a way your own mother never could. Years later, everyone knew your name; you were rich, famous and at the top of your game.
Naturally, the mother who forced you to leave, and the father who abandoned you, reentered your life.
This is the story of Jimmy Butler a professional basketball player.
Whilst scrolling through Facebook last week, I stumbled on the athlete’s life story and I sat there thinking of what I would do if I had been in his position.
I knew that I would never be able to forgive my parents immediately. Imagine putting a child through so much pain: making that child feel like he is not enough and that he was not worthy of love.
With time perhaps, I would heal.
What shocked me, however, was how big Jimmy’s heart was. Despite being abandoned, he said “I don’t hold grudges; I still talk to my family. My mom, my father, we love each other. That’s never going to change.”
I was amazed. I sifted through the comments to see the views of other Facebook users. One user recalled a tormented life with his father, who eventually abandoned him to “get drunk in peace.” Later his father died. He never went to the funeral.
At times, parents put children through the worst and sometimes these children get bitter as a result. Some embrace the healing process, however, so that they could be able to move on and have a happy and peaceful life.
As we move forward, let us try our best to forgive those who have wronged us. It’s not an easy journey but remember that you are doing this to set yourself free. Seek the face of God (you will need Him) and perhaps seek therapy as well—whatever works for you. Sometimes, too, you will have to speak at length with the very person who hurt you. Maybe you will mend fences—maybe you won’t. Maybe that person will make your pain even worse! That should not deter you, however. Doing something is always better than doing nothing at all. And in the end, you’ll be able to move on, knowing that you gave it your all.
Have a good weekend my loves.
Sincerely, always,
Rae A.
