I explained that the medicine was making her feel out of control. “We’re right here. Dad is here. Mindy and Ron and Randy are on their way. I’m here,” I said, pulling her close. “You don’t have to be strong right now. You just have to get better. The medicine is clearing up your lungs, but it’s also making you feel like this. It’s going to get better.”
If I had remained stuck in the dance of the past, I would have felt threatened. But as an adult, I had noted all of the changes––the strength––in my mom. Because of reframing her past, I recognized the fear that overwhelmed her at a situation beyond her control.
That changed everything! She felt safe; I didn’t feel threatened. We truly knew each other for who we are today.
This is an excerpt from Suzie Eller’s latest book, The Unburdened Heart: How to Find Freedom In Forgiveness (Regal) that will be released in February. Suzie is a Proverbs 31 speaker and author with a heart for ministering to women. The book is based on her own powerful story and the stories of other women who have learned to leave pain, leave regret and leave the past to live fully in the present with the help of God’s Spirit.
