Joylynn's Life Story: Learning to Forgive

Life isn’t always perfect and in the past I often asked myself, “If God loves me then why does he let people in my life disappoint me.” 

This isn’t an easy question for people to understand.  Usually, we expect someone who loves us to protect us and help us; I’ve realized that God is the only one who can do this perfectly.

I was born into a very loving home with two great parents and two younger brothers.  I was 5 years old when I asked God into my life; I was in my bedroom and my mother prayed with me.  I know that God has been in my life ever since.  I attended a Christian school until the age of 10 when my family moved and I then went to a public school.  We attended church on a regular basis and I became involved in Sunday school and youth.  I was baptized at the age of 13 with my friends and family encouraging and supporting me.  I have always loved God and he has always been a part of my life.

In high school I was busy with sports, friends and work so I never had time for the usual high school parties.  I had a great group of friends and we loved to spend time together dirt biking, playing baseball, watching movies and going to the lake.  We slowly grew apart as some went to college, some got married and some just went on with their lives.

I believed that God had given me a gift to work with kids and so I decided to make a career out of it.  After high school I went to college and completed a certificate program to work with special needs students in the school system and I have loved every minute I have spent working with these students.

I have been attending for about a year now; I have met a lot of new people and built some really great friendships.  I am involved in the College & Career group and am also a Youth Leader. I still love playing sports and spending time with my family and friends. I have plans to travel and to continue enjoying life. I am looking forward to learning what God has in store for me in the future!

God has helped me through some very tough times with friends and family in which I have learned the importance of forgiveness.  I must admit, in the past I’ve tried to go on with my life without forgiving people.  I’ve learned first hand how being unwilling to forgive people can harden your heart and fill you with resentment and hate.

Colossians 3:13 says "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you." I’ve come to understand that God cannot forgive me if I can't forgive others. With God’ help, I’m learning forgiveness, as he intended it to be.  And you know what? It’s a great feeling.

Who is Jesus?

How can I change my life?