Dear Friend,

I have been thinking a lot about you lately.

And my thoughts are domiciled on the phases of your life.

Especially the Past.

Someone says the past is history. But I feel you don’t quite get it. Quite understandably, though.

I see you heavily burdened by the mistakes of the past – the strain of past relationships, the grades you should have aced, or the decisions you shouldn’t have made.

Sadly, you still carry around in the present, baggage from yesterday. In your angry outbursts at work I see the pain from past betrayals; in your anti-social behaviors and cynical disposition, I feel your pain. At times, it could be quite subtle – phobias, withdrawal from people; in your unwillingness to leave the comfort zone, and try new things, I see the ripple of past failures and the air of disappointment hanging over your head.

I know a place where you can go to unload the troubles eating your soul. It’s a place where mercy flows to take away the stains and make you whiter than snow.

Like a tide, it is rising up, from deep within, and generates a current that makes you come alive.

It’s living water that brings the dead to life.

It’s the river of God.

I’ve been there. I’ve seen God move in my own life – take me from dusty roads into Paradise. He drowned my dirt in the streams that have made me born again.

When I emerged from the river, changed, He led me onto a life of beautiful adventure with him. And I’ve never remained the same ever since.

Remember, dear – past is past. And it’s called past because it’s gone. It’s meant to be. And there’s nothing anyone can do to change it.

But we can go down to the river to bathe in grace. And emerge new, and free.

Follow me.

Come as you are.

Toluwanimi