Copyright © 2026 Women of the ELCA. Reprint permission is granted for use in Women of the ELCA units, clusters/conferences and synodical women’s organizations provided each post is reproduced in its entirety. If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.
As a struggling saint and expert sinner, there are times when the sins I have committed come to mind, and they weigh heavy on my heart. I know God must have cried as God watched me make wrong decisions and live out the consequences of those decisions. Then I would do everything imaginable except turn to God, generally making an even bigger mess. Why is it that we have such a hard time trusting in God’s unconditional love?
I still remember telling my sons: Just tell me the truth. Who broke it, or who hit whom? Come on, one of you confess. One of my sons told me that getting it off of his mind and letting me know how sorry he was made him feel loved because he knew that I would forgive him. Today I watch my adult sons explain to their children why telling the truth and confessing will make you feel loved and forgiven.
Even more, it is our acceptance of God’s forgiveness that makes us whole. Once we accept God’s forgiveness, we are set free to forgive others, to heal broken relationships, to see the world in a whole new light.
This message is excerpted from “The messes we create before talking to God” by Patti Austin from the July 25, 2019, blog of the Women of the ELCA.