A Bad Past Changed: Restoration and Healing

By Benjamin H. Liles

          Lately I've been thinking about how truly Christ-like I am. Paul says in Galatians, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law" (5:22-23). I haven't exactly shown those qualities in the least bit toward my neighbors. It hurts my testimony that I do believe I've changed by Jesus Christ, I do maintain that. But I need to be honest, too.

          I was bullied hard when I was younger. I'm letting go of my past: the hurt, the anger, and all bitterness. In fact, I think I've acted a bully toward certain people. We're called as Christ-follwoers to take a high road, one that helps, encourages and points the way to the Savior who died in our place. In some ways the friends I have are somewhat superficial, and others not so much. Friends tick together even when times are tough. They've been tough indeed.

          I'm not renouncing my faith, but I am fully letting go of those things that have hurt and defined the level of anger I felt for many years. I want to lay my heart out to be straight here: honesty is the best policy. Integrity is important. It marks true character. I have a name that I need to uphold and honor. In that sense I've hurt my family name. No more. I want authentic change. I want to show those I truly care about to see that change and to end up giving my Lord and Savior glory and honor, too. My dad has taught me right, and I lay claim to those in the name of Jesus Christ.

          So, here it is, all on the line. the Liles name is of French Norman origin. It is a byanem that denotes my people, my tribe were once Islanders of France. They went with Charles the Great, Charlemagne to help make Britain better. More specifically, England. The founder of my long line of Liles/Lisle was Robert de Lisle, 1st Baron of Rougemont. He was Franciscan, dedicating his life to Christ, lifting Him up and living a great life showing the love of God. I want that for my future. I'm no longer bound by my past. I look forward to a future where truth, honor, and love wins out. It's like Paul said, "These three remain: faith, hope and love; the greatest of these is love" (1 Corinthians 13:13).