'm a thirty-six year old women and I want to have a healthy relationship, but I have so much baggage from past hurt that whenever I meet a guy, go out on a date and share my pain from my last marriage,

The Bishop answers letters

Bishop:

Last week on a radio talk show you were on, you talked about forgiveness and letting past issues go. Bishop Moultry, you made so much sense and I like how you used the Word of God as your basis in making your different points.

My problem is that at fifty-one years old, I just can't let go of the pain my mother took me through when I was a teenager. I have two other brothers and one sister and I was treated really bad. My mother took my other brothers and sister out to the movies and often made me stay at home and clean the house. She always gave money and gifts to them on their birthdays and at Christmas but never to me. My father is not their father and I think he hurt my mother so bad that she took it out on me when he left her. But now my mother is sick and close to death and she told me she was sorry and I told her it was alright, but Bishop still I can't let it go. I don't know why, yet I know it's the right thing to do for me.

Signed,

Can't Let It Go

Dear Can't Let It Go:

The best thing for you and for your mother to hear before she dies is to "JUST LET IT GO – Unforgiveness is choosing to stay trapped in a jail cell of bitterness, serving time for someone else's crime."

I can quote Scripture over and over again in regards to what Jesus says about forgiveness, but until we put into action what we know in words, it won't mean anything.

Your mother is sick you say and close to death and you continue to want to stay trapped in a jail cell of bitterness and serve time for what she did or did not do when you were younger? "Let it go,” even after she said she was sorry you still want to stay in that jail cell. Not good! As a minister most often when doing a funeral service and the coffin is about to be closed, someone usually cries out, "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Don't let this be you saying this when and if your mother passes away. Here's another thought I want to share with you which is “I don't forgive people because I am weak. I forgive people because I am strong enough to know people, (including you and me and your mother) make mistakes.” 

It's time you set yourself free, love your mother in her last days, and remember right now it's not about YOU, it's about her.

Please feel free to call the church or, better than that, visit this Sunday and I'll be happy to meet you and pray for the Spirit of Forgiveness that you need.

Bishop Moultry:

I'm a thirty-six year old women and I want to have a healthy relationship, but I have so much baggage from past hurt that whenever I meet a guy, go out on a date and share my pain from my last marriage, I don't hear from the guy anymore. I don't share my past with all my dates, but if I meet a guy that I'm really feeling and want to settle down with it's then that I'll open up and talk.

I don't want to get old without anyone, but it seems like this might be the case. I just need to get some suggestions from you since I respect you so much and have been following you for years through your Bishop Speaks columns, the radio talk shows you've been on and even attending your Gospel Concerts.

Signed,

Hurting and Lonley

Dear Hurting and Lonley:

First, everyone comes with baggage, but if you wait on God to send you that special one I know he'll love you enough to help you unpack. AMEN!

Also remember that life experiences should make us better and not bitter. It's so sad that so many people live in the past than in the present, while so many others live in the future, not enjoying the present, meaning they can't enjoy today's sunshine because they are preparing for tomorrow's rain. Also, say this prayer; "Dear Past: Thanks for your lessons. Dear Future future: I'm ready! Dear God: Today, I thank you for another chance. Amen!

And stop looking for a mate, but just pray and wait and watch what God will be sending you if you trust him and hold on. Join me this Sunday at In Touch and let's pray together. 

You can e-mail the Bishop at bishopmoultry@aol.com. Write him at 969 E. 140th St. Cleveland,Ohio 44110. Call the church (216) 761-7100 or check him out on Facebook under Bishop Prince J. Moultry. Also look him up on the church website under www.intouchforchrist.com. Visit the bishop each Sunday morning 11 a.m. sharp, at the In Touch for Christ Christian Center at the above address off St. Clair across from the Job Corps Campus in the heart of the Collinwood Community.