Confessions of An Unforgiver
My husband Jerry and his brother Larry have always been incredibly close. Growing up as the only white kids on Indian reservations, they learned early on to count on each other. Their bond was unshakable.
So, it wasn’t a surprise that when Jerry and I got married, he and Larry remained tight.
When Larry and his wife, Phyllis moved to Colorado, we followed. When they started attending Pueblo Christian Center, we went there too. Our lives were intertwined.
JERRY AND LARRY RUSSELL - JERRY AND BARBRA’S WEDDING
Then, everything changed.
Larry and Phyllis separated and ultimately divorced. Phyllis poured out her heartbreak to me, and I took up her pain like a battle flag. With every tear she shed, I added another tally to the list of Larry’s offenses.
Hurt turned into anger. Anger turned into bitterness. And for two long years, I wanted nothing to do with Larry. I refused to talk to him, avoided him at all costs, and—without realizing it—started to drive a wedge between my husband and his brother. (Yes, I know. Not my finest moment.)
Bitterness didn’t just affect my relationship with Larry. It sank into my own heart, leaving me exhausted, angry, and underneath it all, afraid.
And then I felt the nudge. Forgive.
I didn’t want to forgive. Larry didn’t deserve it (at least, not in my mind). But deep down, I knew—I wasn’t punishing Larry. I was punishing myself.
Forgiveness isn’t about pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It’s a process. I had to grieve, acknowledge every painful memory, and work through the emotions that held me hostage. And as I wrote a letter of forgiveness, clarity hit me like a lightning bolt:
What was I so afraid of?
I realized I wasn’t just angry at Larry. I was terrified that Jerry, who had always followed in his brother’s footsteps, might one day leave me too. And let’s be honest—I wasn’t exactly making myself easy to love at the time.
But Jerry stayed. He saw me at my worst and still chose to love me.
Months later, I finally had a conversation with Larry. When he asked why I had been so upset, I didn’t hold back. I told him I had hated him for what he did. And in that moment, something incredible happened—I felt nothing. No more pain, no more anger, no more fear.
I had truly forgiven him.
And with that, I was free. Those painful events became part of my past, but they no longer had power over me.
Forgiveness is powerful. Freedom is wonderful.
If unforgiveness is weighing you down, I get it. Been there, done that. And now, as a counselor, I can help you walk through that same process—the process that leads to healing, peace, and the emotionally healthy life you were meant to live.
If you’re ready to start your journey to freedom, contact me. Let’s walk this road together.
Barbra
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