“Create in me a clean heart O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10
On the day of September 19, 1995, my life took a detour from my plans. I went to church and knew of God, yet I knew that God could not dwell in an unclean temple such as my body and heart were at that time. I was given the best advice when my mother said: “Regina, ask God for His forgiveness, and then forgive yourself.” That night, I got on my knees and asked God to clean me from the inside out, for His forgiveness, and to let those I’ve hurt find it in their hearts to forgive me.
Was this transformation easy? No. Why? Because I still wanted to hate and not forgive those who hurt me. I knew for me to truly receive God’s forgiveness; I had to forgive and not hate.
Today I have a personal relationship with my Father. I refuse to turn back. Do I go through trials and tribulations? Of course! The difference now is that I go through them with God! Am I perfect? No, but I do give thanks to God that I am not who I used to be! I am a new creature in Christ!
