Do you know what it's like to have a beautiful granddaughter, and have no expectations of holding her? Or to except the fact that you'll never be a part of your sons' family? Either son. I know what I've done. I know what I created. I just need a little help. Please.
Dan Scott, One Tree Hill
“Those of us who were brought up as Christians and have lost our faith have retained the sense of sin without the saving belief in redemption. This poisons our thought and so paralyses us in action.”Cyril Connolly
I have watched the TV Show One Tree Hill for years. It is a cheesy night time drama about this little town in North Carolina, which is filled with heroes, villains, triumph and tragedy - just like any good little soap town.
One of the characters on the show, Dan Scott, has been the linchpin villain from day one. He lied, cheated, stole, murdered his brother - - you name it the man has done it, thought about it or schemed to make it happen. He is one of those characters you just love to hate.
But a few seasons ago, Dan had a revelation. He let go of his ways, owned up to his mistakes and set out on a path to try and find redemption.
First, Dan tried to earn his redemption through money and fame thinking an image would change people's perseptions and he would be forgiven - that didn't work.
Then, Dan turned away from the "flash" and removed himself from everyone he loved thinking that daily penance would gain him the forgiveness he sought - but that didn't work either.
Now, Dan is trying to find redemption by integrating himself back into the lives of those he loves - but they have limited to no tolerance for him.
What Dan has yet to figure out is that redemption cannot be earned.
Often we are too much like Dan. Regardless of our sin - from lying to murder - no amount of penance or work or charm will earn forgiveness.
Forgiveness is only true forgiveness when it is freely and unconditionally given - including forgiving ourselves.
No matter how hard we work - no matter how many "good things" we tally up - we will never be free of the anchor of the sin in our lives if we do not openly ask and receive forgiveness.
The world may never forget what you do (or what Dan Scott has done) but God will forgive you if you ask and in that forgiveness you will find the ability to forgive yourself and to move forward letting go of the anchor holding you to your past.
Redemption can be a long road, but you will never start down the path if you first do not seek God's forgiveness and allow His forgiveness to generate your own.
Scripture
Quote
“Those of us who were brought up as Christians and have lost our faith have retained the sense of sin without the saving belief in redemption. This poisons our thought and so paralyses us in action.”Cyril Connolly
Question
Of what do you need to seek forgiveness?
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