As much as we would like to leave the past behind us, it will always be part of our story. Pretending it does not exist or no longer matters only leads to future heartache and pain.

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Whether things we have done or things done to us, we all have pieces of our story we wish we could take back, erase, or simply forget.

However, denying our past gives it an unpredictable control over our life today. It becomes a blind influence we unconsciously play to.

We were rejected in the past and have now made a commitment to never be in that situation again. The fear of rejection keeps us from getting close to anyone.

We did not receive the validation our souls craved growing up and now we seek it out and demand it in every relationship. The ache of our souls might drive us into many compulsive behaviors and relationships.

Someone insulted us and now we cannot tolerate even a hint of disrespect. The anger of the past offense locks us into fight mode still today.

Our past shapes us with or without our conscious participation.

Instead of denying or tying to forget, it is best to face our past honestly and try to find peace with it. This opens the door for deep healing and redemption.

An honest reflection on what has taken place allows us to fully integrate the past into our story and have it influence us for good.

As we wisely engage the past, it adds a season to our life that brings out the best of our strength.

Don’t leave your past as an untreated wound to become infected.

Give your past the attention it needs to find peace with it and integrate it into your story.

God has invited us into a story of redemption, which out of necessity must include our past.

Your past still matters.

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Dr. Corey Carlisle

Licensed marriage and family therapist and certified sex therapist - providing Christian counseling and soul care to individuals and couples, with a special emphasis on developing the masculine soul. Suwanee, GA 30024