LIVE LIKE JESUS ~ blog

I was watching a show the other day that was exploring the extreme structures known as “dams” and what happens when they break apart and collapse. Wikipedia defines a dam as a barrier across flowing water that obstructs, directs or slows down the flow, often creating a reservoir, lake or impoundments.

It was a really amazing show but it made me think about how close life can sometimes be compared to a dam. At first a dam slows down the flow but over time the dam builds up so much resistance and pressure that it can begin to crack. One crack leads to another and, if left unattended, can result in the entire structure collapsing… with often devastating results. When the dam breaks, it doesn’t just affect the dam but all those downstream in its path.

Sound familiar?

Are you living a “dammed” life? Have you built up barriers or walls to “slow down” or “retain” the hurt, anxiety or fear you’ve encountered? Has this barrier created a reservoir of these hurts and hang ups that are now building more and more pressure in your life?

Are you starting to crack?

Unlike a dam that takes millions of dollars and concrete to fix, you can be repaired with just a simple word. It’s called “forgiveness.” Forgiveness allows us to let go of the hurts that are building up in our lives. Forgiveness releases the pressure. Forgiveness lets life flow again and stops it from building behind a wall.

Forgiveness offers hope. Hope in the grace that can restore even the deepest of cracks or wounds.

But what does practicing forgiveness really look like? How do you forgive when you can’t seem to forget?

Share your thoughts by leaving a comment here and we’ll explore practical forgiveness more next week.

Share This