Happy Day 1!

Let me say from the start, I’ve always danced a weird dance with forgiveness. I tend to understand concepts in the simplest form. I hit my brother, then I ask for forgiveness. That’s that.

I've come to realize forgiveness is not so simple. The six-week journey we’re about to walk through may be a mix of painful and messy, but also healing and life-changing. How do I know? Because I’ve had the opportunity to walk through this book as I’ve prepared for this study. And we have some wonderful ladies who have prepared as well. Alicia, Angie and Brandy — along with the author of Forgiving What You Can’t Forget, Lysa TerKeurst — will guide us along the way.

If you’re apprehensive, you’re in the right place.
If you’re skeptical, you’re in the right place.
If you’re confused, you’re in the right place.
Wherever you're at, let's begin now.

We have a special treat every Monday. Either Melissa Taylor (our senior director of P31 OBS and First 5) or I will join Lysa TerKeurst via video to hear her share some wisdom, insight and teaching.

Here are instructions to access closed captioning AND the video transcripts.

I’m the person she was talking to when she said, “Some of us are eager to move on.” Right when she said this, I nodded in agreement. I sometimes want to just get past what has been done and get on with my life, but simply moving on from something doesn’t help with the healing. I look forward to learning what forgiveness and unforgiveness actually are and how we can begin, not just moving on, but moving ahead healthy and whole.

Every week, we’ll have a verse to focus on. You can memorize it, write it down or read it daily. How you interact with this Scripture is up to you. Our first Verse of the Week comes from Hebrews,

“For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more” Hebrews 8:12 (ESV)

Remember when I mentioned my awkward dance with forgiveness? One of the things I struggle with is exactly what is addressed in this verse. God doesn’t remember our sin. But me? I remember most things that have been done wrong to me or others. I have a long way to go, friend. And I’m certainly glad I get to walk this forgiveness journey with you.

All right, before we get to it, I want to remind you about a resource we have to help walk you through the next six weeks. It’s called our Study at a Glance. You’ll find each week’s reading, events and more, all in one place. We like to keep things easy around here.

STUDY AT A GLANCE

As we begin our first week together, if you’re still feeling not so sure about this, I’d love to remind all of us we’re in the right place, and healing is possible.

Kendra

Heart to Heart:

How are you feeling heading into this first week of study?

Giveaway!
Comment for a chance to win a copy of Forgiving What You Can’t Forget! This is an extra resource you can use to enhance your study, but is not required to complete this P31 OBS. Ten winners will be randomly selected and notified within three days via a reply to their comment on this blog.

P.S. If you're still waiting on your book, we got you covered! Here's the reading for Week 1.