“Create in me a clean heart O God and renew a right spirit within me.”
Psalm 51:10 (KJV)
On the day of September 19, 1995, my life took a detour from my plans. I went to church and knew of God, but I know that God cannot dwell in an unclean temple (my body/heart). I was given the best advice when my mother said, “Regina, ask God for forgiveness and then forgive yourself.” That night, I got on my knees, asked God to clean me from the inside out, asked Him 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, not forgive, those who hurt me. I knew for me to truly be given 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. I give thanks to God for not being who I used to be. I am a new creature in Christ!