Letting Go by Cecil Murphey

Source: Unknown

Just before I left Kenya after serving there as a missionary for six years, another missionary “stretched” some things I told her in confidence. She carried the stories to Bud, the head of our organization. Bud and I had strong words on the night our plane left.

I felt misunderstood and betrayed. Making the situation worse, Bud repeated those stories to a number of African leaders. Even though I prayed regularly to forgive them, I built up a grudge.

Years passed before I could release the pain.

Most of us have those types of experiences of being deeply hurt and holding on to the agonizing emotions. Once we can finally forgive, internal peace fills our hearts.

Most of us also experience another kind of letting go—releasing the nostalgic joys of what used to be. They remain powerful in our memories, which make us unable to move in new directions.

My late wife, Shirley, has now been dead for six years. I’ve dated a few times since then, but I realized I wasn’t ready to let go of the relationship with Shirley. I thought of her every day and often spoke to her (even though I don’t believe she was able to hear me).

A few weeks ago, I had a dream in which we held hands, but she seemed to be floating upward and away from me. She smiled, released my hand, and disappeared.

After I awakened, I knew I had finally let go. That freed me from the sentimental-but-joyful past. These days, I feel a deep peace that says I’m open to whatever new adventures life has in store for me.

Letting go—releasing the joy or the pain—is part of our growth.

Cecil Murphey is a Christian author, speaker and teacher.