The Power of Forgiveness
by Debi Irene Wahl
(Shoemakersville)
Life Father, Like Daughter
My dad and I had a tenuous relationship. From the day I told him about my childlike belief in Jesus, his reaction to my choice was one of constant disbelief.
As I grew, my dad understood me less and less. He often called me a religious nut. Today I can laugh about that and I understand his loss at having a child so completely his opposite. On my wedding day, he pulled my husband-to-be aside and said, "Cut and run boy, she's as nuts as her mother." Fortunately, Rodney decided to stick around.
40 years into their marriage, my mother finally called it quits. Dad was developing new ways to cheat on his wife. It's called The Internet. Some of my siblings were able to see him and forgive him. I was holding onto a hard heart.
A few short months after the divorce, my dad was admitted to the hospital. At first, it seemed like just a slight infection.
"Mom, you better go see your dad or you'll never forgive yourself." My oldest child, Tonya, scolded me over the phone.
"I know you're right honey, but I'm still upset with him and don't know how he'll act with me. And I don't want to see that woman." I was adamant.
"Mom, I can't tell you what to do, but you know what you should do." My daughter must have been reading the Apostle Paul's famous words. "Make allowance for each other's faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:13" I knew she was right.
After Tonya's call, I prayed. "Dear Lord, I want to know that dad is saved before he dies. I want to visit but please don't let anyone else be there, I can't deal with that too." The Lord knew what was in my heart.
With a knot in my stomach, a lump in my throat and a pounding head, I headed into Dad's hospital room a few short hours after praying.
Thank the Lord, His goodness endures forever. Not only was Dad alone, but his roommate was sound asleep and the nurses didn't disturb us the entire hour I spent with him.
Forgiveness was a short path that day from the parking lot to the hospital room. One last time I broached salvation with my dad. He was different this time - humble, anxious. I believe God, in His mercy, gave my dad one last prodding.
"Dad, no matter what you think of me, my life or my actions all these years, I have never changed what I said to you when I was just a kid. Jesus is my Lord and Savior, my Best Friend. I'm not afraid of death because I know I will go with Him when I die. But you have to make a physical choice to receive Jesus. If you don't, you are choosing against Him."
Dad asked some questions and I answered, sometimes fumbling for words, but always completely earnest. I shared the simple plan of Salvation, asked if I could pray for him and he said yes. I showed him how to talk to Jesus, simply and directly. Dad thanked me for coming, the nurses began to get busy once again and as I stood to leave I gave my father a kiss. Something we hadn't done much in our relationship. I think that kiss touched him as much as anything and it was a kiss that said, "You're forgiven and please forgive me also".
The next day we were called to the hospital. Dad had taken a turn for the worse, unexpectedly and so quickly that they had to put him on a breathing machine so he would stay alive until all four kids could get into the hospital. Mom came too, and gave her own amazing measure of forgiveness to Dad. We spoke to him as his breathing slowed, praying out loud and making sure Dad had us with him until the end.
To this day, I know in my heart that my earthly Dad finally met my Heavenly Father. And I am brought to the realization that as different as we were, I am really so much like my father.
Finally, I am so grateful that my daughter spoke truthfully to me, the Lord touched my hard heart and I was able to forgive...one last time before I someday greet Dad in heaven.
Here are some more articles to help you in this important area:I Need some Scripture on ForgivenessHow Do I Pray for Forgiveness?How Do I Forgive Myself?
