Your Childhood Does Not Determine Your Life

This past weekend, Fred and I had more time than usual to just talk and visit. It was such a grace to me because I am currently so tired—tired to my bones tired (physically); tired and weeping a lot (emotionally) … intellectually, relationally … spent. So listening to Fred tell me new stories from his childhood—and replaying various moments from our  courtship and falling in love season of life? Well. It was sweet and I am grateful.

I am also grateful for just how much all of our discussions reminded me of the truth that I could never have experienced (almost!) twenty years of marriage and friendship and love with Fred, were it not for God’s saving grace in my life. I could never have learned how to love and be loved, were it not for my new birth and my new life as a child of God. Because of Jesus, I am forgiven and able to forgive. Because of Jesus, I am adopted and I have a home, an eternal home, an inheritance, kept in Heaven by God.

Eternity will not be long enough to express my gratitude.

If you have a life story like mine? If your story is more like Fred’s? If your family of origin was rife with abuse and confusion, or a relatively happy and stable home filled with love and clarity—know this:

Our History Explains Something and Causes Nothing

What hope! What encouragement. To know that “We may be wounded, but sin is caused by a sinful heart, not a hurting past.”

This is such good news! Because if we know our PROBLEM then we can run to, embrace, believe in, put all of our hope in … THE SOLUTION. The Real Solution—Jesus Christ, the Way, Truth, Life, Redeemer, Savior, Shepherd, Priest, King. Regardless of our pasts; regardless of the horrors we experienced as children and young people. Our childhood does not determine our future (!!). God is with His children. There is Hope.
 
I read John 4 today and I encourage you to do the same. Let your mind drink in the truth that, just like the woman at the well, no matter your past—Jesus is the Living Water that will quench your thirst.

Alleluia and Amen!

Sending my love—
Tara B.

PS
In addition to the David Powlison book that Pastor DeYoung mentioned (Seeing with New Eyes)—which is one of my all-time favorites (!), I also really enjoyed William P. Smith’s book on this topic: Loving Well (Even if You Haven’t Been).

PPS
Yes, that’s my real family. Circa 1975ish? Oh, man. I can still smell the leather in my dad’s leisure suit coat … 🙂