I was roaming some blogs and came across this comment from Boo:

“I found out that it doesn't matter how much you learn, grow, and change, you will always be judged for who you were before, and if you were a problem in the past it will forever make your future painful and awkward.”

I honestly felt so sad! In my personal experiences I have not found that to be true. – But then am I just blessed?

I’m one of those people that have changed incredibly, and I think many will confirm this. I wasn’t necessarily a conscious problem, but yes, I was a problem. I was ugly, I was different, and I had an illness that made me a bit of a “special” case. – I too went through some difficult JETT/Teen years, but all that is in the past now and I honestly have not found someone who still judges me for those times or actions.

I’ve met many folks who knew me when I was younger, and if anything they admire (and thank the Lord for) the way I’ve changed. – Or the way I stuck through things and came forth all the better for it. I’m one of those that can attest that there is truly beauty through the pain, through the ashes of what may seem death to self, and that yes, out of it can come a lily. Not that I think I am one (HA!), but I know that if it weren’t for the breakings and changes that came about in my life, I’d probably not be where I am now, and awful to have around. (Yes, a B-I-T-C-H!)

The thing is, I often have to be the one to point out to folks who I am (or who I was), and though it is often awkward and even embarrassing at times, I must admit that it’s been encouraging to sometimes see their eyes open wide as they realize the change. HA! Only Jesus, really!

All that to say, am I really just lucky? I think those who judge people and label them for their past are the less for it. – No offence to anyone. But really, forgiving, and yes, forgetting, is the only way to move forward in life.

What do you think?