Over the years, I have learned a lot about what it really means to forgive. I thought I was getting peace over the people and
 situations in my past, that caused me so much hurt and pain.

I was 22 years old, when the Lord showed me that there was still one person I hadn't forgiven, the person that hurt me the most,
 my dad. My dad is an alcoholic. I thought I had forgiven him, but,
 I realized I hadn't. I saw him at Santa Fe Trail Days and he came
 up to me. At that moment, fear gripped me. I thought I smelt beer on his breath. I didn't have anything to say to him and I knew he was wanting me to feel sorry for him, like in times past. My
 grandma told him to leave, because she knew he was upsetting
 me and I was too scared to tell him myself.

I realized I was still angry at him for not being the dad he should
have been to us kids and for the way he treated mom. He was abusive and thought He owned us.

I knew I had to truly forgive him before I could have real peace.
I wrote him a letter and told him I loved and had forgiven him and that I wanted him to find the Lord before it was too late.

I have chosen not to have contact with him because of his
drinking, but, I know I have forgiven him in my heart. I now know
what peace is. Without forgiveness, there is no peace.
Unforgiveness will keep you from going to heaven. The Bible
says that if we can't forgive another, God can't forgive us.