We all have things in our past we’d like to change, including Yolanda Perkins who spent three years in federal prison for credit card fraud. At the time she was on her way to graduating from college and then found herself arrested.
Unlike most people who get out of jail and allow their past to hold them back, she moved forward. She just graduated from Nova Southeastern University with a Ph.D. Not only is she a college graduate, but she’s also the author of the book “Consequences” and the soon to be released “Now.” Talk about not allowing your past to hold you back. I’ve never met Ms. Perkins, but I found myself proud of her for pushing on.
You might ask yourself how she found the strength. One way is she stopped looking back and looked forward. Another is with the help of someone who believed in her. And then she took God’s forgiveness to heart.
God doesn’t mean for us to allow the past to keep haunting us. He wants better things for us. All you have to do is believe in yourself, like Yolanda, and work hard. Psalm 103:10-12 reminds us all that He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
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Forgiveness is for yourself because it frees you. It lets you out of that prison you put yourself in. Louise Hay – Motivational Author
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Too many of us allow our pasts to hold us back. I’m a divorced woman and an unwed mother. But God sees me as His daughter, not as a former party girl. I am a child of God, and He loves me with all His heart. He sees you the same way.
We need to do as Ms. Perkins did and take hold of the love and forgiveness that God offers. Accept it, and then forgive yourself. If you don’t stop looking over your shoulder, you’ll only stumble when it comes to your future.
If you or someone you know is in need of prayer, please let me know in the comment section below. I’ll be happy to pray for the situation.
And if you’d like to read more about Yolanda Perkins and her inspirational journey, check out her story at https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/woman-spent-years-federal-prison-earns-doctorate-64081743.
