Some of you may remember the story of Lot and his family and what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah in the book of Genesis. God sent two angels to warn Lot of the imminent destruction of the two cities because of their wickedness. The angels instructed Lot, his wife, and two daughters to leave and not look back—literally. Lot and his daughters obeyed, but for some reason, Lot’s wife did not. After traveling some distance, Lot’s wife looked back to the city and became a pillar of salt. - Genesis 19:1-29 KJV

In my usual transparent fashion, I started writing this in August 2020, but I didn’t make much traction. I’m not sure why. It could be because the notes I wrote for this piece are absolutely horrible and I have no idea what my initial intent was, or it could be simpler—it wasn’t time for me to write it.

At some point last week, I recalled a post I wrote for the DOSBB blog entitled, “A Promise to Me,” ironically, I wrote it in September 2020. The post is an apology to me for not loving myself enough to reject the negativity of others. Although I continue to stand by the words I wrote two years ago, I have to admit that I neglected a vital piece of the process: forgiveness. Not necessarily forgiving the individuals who demonstrated the negativity, but extending an olive branch to me for allowing the pain to fester and settle.

The word “past” is defined as gone by in time and no longer existing. This makes me wonder what the benefit is of reliving it, especially if it is harmful.

At this point, some of you may wonder what the connection between self-forgiveness and Lot’s wife is. There was nothing good left in Sodom and Gomorrah once Lot and his family fled. That time she spent in that city was a part of her past that had no place in her future. Her decision to look back—whatever that reason was—came with a price, which was her future.

I want to encourage you and me to let go of whatever hurt and pain we experienced in the past that God has saved us from. Let us forgive as God does and not look back. He chooses not to remember.

For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and thier sins and thier iniquities will I remember no more. - Hebrews 8:12 KJV