Forgiveness

[lady67]

Does anyone else out there feel like you will never be forgiven for your past?  I have a very difficult time around some of my family because they are never going to let me live down that I am an addict.  I have one cousin who refuses to let her child go to town with us because she doesn't want her riding in the car with me.  However, she doesn't mind sending her over here whenever she needs a babysitter.  I have apologized and apologized and it seems like nothing helps.  The family still whispers about my addiction and talks about me when I am not around.  I hate this.  I finally got tired of my youngest child asking me "Why does aunt angie not like you mommie?"  So I told her about my addiction and that some of the family still doesn't want to be "friends" with me.  Most of my family who can't get past my problem is my in-laws.  Especially my sister-in-law and her family.  It really bothers me because she has done things in her past that in God's eyes are the same.  She doesn't seem to remember the illig, child she has by a married man.  My brother-in-law was kind enough to adopt this child when they got married and bring her into our family.  I guess that makes her feel like all her past is gone.  

I have been feeling so guilty today and I was just wondering if anyone else has experienced the "cold shoulder" from people since their addiction and how they are being treated now.

[catmagnet]

OH YEAH...They'll be talking about it for generations to come...

[dominosarah]

I have a feeling that as long as your sister in law keeps this pot stirred all eyes are off her.  Dont let it get to you.  You have said your apologies and that is all you can do.  Walk with your head held high.  The ones that matter are you and your husband and children.  They know what you are made of and what you have accomplished.  Take a stand the next time they start this.  The longer you let them get to you the longer they are going to keep doing this.  Be proud of what you have become.  I know i am.    stay strong        sara

[starfish1963]

God tells us in His Word that when we confess our sins they are as far as the east is from the west, never to be rememberd again.  I think we need to learn to fogive ourselves as well, that is the starting point.  You have to fight the world, you should have to struggle with family.  Go to them and try and explain how you feel and that they must forgive you and learn to trust you.  For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God.  If you commit One of my sins you've broken them all.  You can't make them trust you but you can live your life to show them they are wrong.  I think we beat ourselves up enough and don't need anyone else making us feel bad let alone our family.  Don't give them the power, we teach people how to treat us, want better and expect nothing less :)
God Bless :)

[larry1978]

absolutely...i get that alot..but dont feel guilty cause addiction chooses us..we dont choose it and people who dont have the problem dont understand that its not like takin tylenol one day and not the next...its basically heroin in a nutshell...not an easy thing to quit  dont feel guilty..that only makes it harder...as long as the lord forgives you...nothin else matters...you know who you are..so smile...its ok every day is anew day..a clean slate...all you gotta do is choose the day...mine was yesterday...

[GoingToMakeIt]

Can you stand up to them and confront them about this? Do they want their troubles and sins talked about behind their backs? It does take some time for people to trust again. But if it was me, I would call them on it. Each family is different, only you know what would happen.