Help me forget the past

[TOP]

Hello, I,ve been despairing for a couple of months, just past. Last night, I went back to confession. The Priest and I had a serious talk about my problems. He seemed very concerned, but he stuck to the basic’s. Go to church every sabbath and pray daily. Today I had the Eucharist for the first time in almost 3 months. As soon as I got home, my thoughts cleared up and I realized I had to forget the past. I have received this advice before, but it never clicked. What are some tips to move on? I think replacing bad memories with new, good, wholesome activities is the key. What do you all think? Thanks, Tim

 

[Andruschak]

Hello, I,ve been despairing for a couple of months, just past. Last night, I went back to confession. The Priest and I had a serious talk about my problems. He seemed very concerned, but he stuck to the basic’s. Go to church every sabbath and pray daily. Today I had the Eucharist for the first time in almost 3 months. As soon as I got home, my thoughts cleared up and I realized I had to forget the past. I have received this advice before, but it never clicked. What are some tips to move on? I think replacing bad memories with new, good, wholesome activities is the key. What do you all think? Thanks, Tim

I can’t tell you what to do, but I will tell you what I did. I have to let go of the past. Note that I used the AA concept of “Let Go and Let God”. I may never be able to forget what my biological father did to me. But I do not have to forget what my biological father did to me, nor condone it. I do have to FORGIVE.

And for that, I need professional therapy and counseling, in addition to Church and AA. Church and AA helped, but a trusted therapist is sometimes required. You may want to talk to your Priest about a referral. Or talk to your regular Physician, if you have one. It was my current Physician who referred me to my therapist.

“It’s OK to ask for help.”

 

[TOP]

Thanks, right now I’m seeing a therapist along witha Dr. What I have to forget is my past faults and traumatic events. I have no problems with others to forgive. I have to forgive myself and trust I won’t receive a severe punishment. Tim

 

[InLight247]

Please know that God has forgiven you so you must forgive yourself.

Once upon a time I was regretting for something and repeatedly prayed for forgiveness. One day I heard God said “I have already forgiven you, why don’t you forgive yourself?” That was out of the blue but very clear. I felt better afterwards.

Then long time later, probably because it was still in my mind, I brought it up in my confession. The priest wouldn’t let me finish. He told me never to mention it again. Still, it was in my mind, so later when the bishop was in my parish and hearing confession, I talked to him. He let me finish but he also told me never to bring it up again. From then on, I rest my case.

Sometimes we could be very hard on ourselves due to the fact there is no way to erase what has happened. But we ought to keep in mind our God’s mercy is unlimited. Trust in Jesus’ mercy.

Do not allow the guilt that God does not want you to carry gets on you. Our mental and spiritual health is critical to our physical health. For the sake of your physical health, by all means unload your burden to Jesus. Know that He has already forgiven you so you must forgive yourself.

 

[Bennie_P]

Hello, I,ve been despairing for a couple of months, just past. Last night, I went back to confession. The Priest and I had a serious talk about my problems. He seemed very concerned, but he stuck to the basic’s. Go to church every sabbath and pray daily. Today I had the Eucharist for the first time in almost 3 months. As soon as I got home, my thoughts cleared up and I realized I had to forget the past. I have received this advice before, but it never clicked. What are some tips to move on? I think replacing bad memories with new, good, wholesome activities is the key. What do you all think? Thanks, Tim

For me it was to find ways to serve others, volunteer. It was suggested to me to pray the Our Father and Hail Mary each time, bad thoughts of the past attacked me. This grew into praying the Rosery and attending daily mass when it is possible and filling my thoughts with knowledge of the Church and teachings of Christ. Otherwise I had to find ways to get out of myself. It takes time, the more one fills thier heart, mind and soul with the good, it will push out the old and the bad. My prayers are with you. Pray for me and others in need.

 

[TOP]

Please know that God has forgiven you so you must forgive yourself.

Once upon a time I was regretting for something and repeatedly prayed for forgiveness. One day I heard God said “I have already forgiven you, why don’t you forgive yourself?” That was out of the blue but very clear. I felt better afterwards.

Then long time later, probably because it was still in my mind, I brought it up in my confession. The priest wouldn’t let me finish. He told me never to mention it again. Still, it was in my mind, so later when the bishop was in my parish and hearing confession, I talked to him. He let me finish but he also told me never to bring it up again. From then on, I rest my case.

Sometimes we could be very hard on ourselves due to the fact there is no way to erase what has happened. But we ought to keep in mind our God’s mercy is unlimited. Trust in Jesus’ mercy.

Do not allow the guilt that God does not want you to carry gets on you. Our mental and spiritual health is critical to our physical health. For the sake of your physical health, by all means unload your burden to Jesus. Know that He has already forgiven you so you must forgive yourself.

Thank you, alot of what you said rings true to the advice I have received as well , but forgot. After completeing the indulgence of divine mercy sunday, I made a mistake, then had a long , nasty fall. How sin blinds us! Thank you for the reminder, Tim

 

[Nita]

Hi Tim,

Guilt has its purpose, to bring us to repentance. Once we have repented it has NO purpose (and sometimes is even caused by Satan trying to lead us to despair).

Having repented and confessed, we should follow God’s example. For those who come to Him, He says He will “remember their sins no more”.
*Isaiah 43:25 “I, I am He who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins.”
Jer 31:34 …for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, says the LORD; for I will forgive their iniquity, and **I will remember their sin no more." ***

I’d say, memorize those verses and really ponder them.
Eg. Imagine appearing before God for judgement and you bring up those sins; and God responds, “What are you talking about Tim? I don’t remember any such thing”!!! Isn’t God awesome.

Nita

 

[TOP]

Thank you all,
The devil has alot of weapons in his arsenal for me. For the past 4 years , I’ve been surrounded by death and had a NDE when I was fighting cancer 4 years ago. Combine that with a prior sinful lifestyle and a saving grace 2 years ago, it has been really confusing. I just have to let go, Tim

 

[InLight247]

Thank you all,
The devil has alot of weapons in his arsenal for me. For the past 4 years , I’ve been surrounded by death and had a NDE when I was fighting cancer 4 years ago. Combine that with a prior sinful lifestyle and a saving grace 2 years ago, it has been really confusing. I just have to let go, Tim

Do not allow the devil to confuse you or condemn you, allow God to forgive you and strengthen you. Since you have received a saving grace, hold on to that grace, never let it go. Pray the daily Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Attend Mass and receive the Holy Communion as often as possible. If your schedule allows, do Eucharist Adoration as frequent as possible. You need to get close to God, to immerse yourself in His mercy and healing. Take good care of your health. God bless!

 

[TOP]

Do not allow the devil to confuse you or condemn you, allow God to forgive you and strengthen you. Since you have received a saving grace, hold on to that grace, never let it go. Pray the daily Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy. Attend Mass and receive the Holy Communion as often as possible. If your schedule allows, do Eucharist Adoration as frequent as possible. You need to get close to God, to immerse yourself in His mercy and healing. Take good care of your health. God bless!

Good advice. My Priest always says “fight the good fight” because my name is Timothy. thanks again, Tim

 

[Andruschak]

Thanks, right now I’m seeing a therapist along witha Dr. What I have to forget is my past faults and traumatic events. I have no problems with others to forgive. I have to forgive myself and trust I won’t receive a severe punishment. Tim

You are not alone. Our biggest problem with newcomers to Alcoholics Anonymous is … yes… to have them forgive THEMSELVES. It is baggage from the past, and go it must if any spiritual progress is to be made. :hug1:

You must remember that humans have a hard time forgiving unconditionally. God does not. :heaven:

Another suggestion…recite Psalm 51 twice a day, morning and night, as us 1221 penitents do. If you feel you must really, somehow, punish yourself, read ALL of Psalm 119.

 

[TOP]

You are not alone. Our biggest problem with newcomers to Alcoholics Anonymous is … yes… to have them forgive THEMSELVES. It is baggage from the past, and go it must if any spiritual progress is to be made. :hug1:

You must remember that humans have a hard time forgiving unconditionally. God does not. :heaven:

Another suggestion…recite Psalm 51 twice a day, morning and night, as us 1221 penitents do. If you feel you must really, somehow, punish yourself, read ALL of Psalm 119.

Thanks Harry, Hope all is well with you, Tim

 

[TOP]

For me it was to find ways to serve others, volunteer. It was suggested to me to pray the Our Father and Hail Mary each time, bad thoughts of the past attacked me. This grew into praying the Rosery and attending daily mass when it is possible and filling my thoughts with knowledge of the Church and teachings of Christ. Otherwise I had to find ways to get out of myself. It takes time, the more one fills thier heart, mind and soul with the good, it will push out the old and the bad. My prayers are with you. Pray for me and others in need.

Thanks Bennie, Yes being a volunteer would be helpful. I’m so lazy now . I have to get off my duff. I really like talking with folks who have cancer as I did. Giving them tips about how to deal with chemo, but lately, some of them have been terminal. This brings back some bad memories for me. I would love to be able to talk with kids who are sick, but don’t really think Dr’s would allow that. My wife asked if I could handle that. Most likely not. I’m back to the daily rosary now. A women at church who knows my cancer history asked me sunday to pray for her husband who has cancer. Right now , that is what I’m limited to. Wish I could do more. Tim

 

[nkmeck]

Hello, I,ve been despairing for a couple of months, just past. Last night, I went back to confession. The Priest and I had a serious talk about my problems. He seemed very concerned, but he stuck to the basic’s. Go to church every sabbath and pray daily. Today I had the Eucharist for the first time in almost 3 months. As soon as I got home, my thoughts cleared up and I realized I had to forget the past. I have received this advice before, but it never clicked. What are some tips to move on? I think replacing bad memories with new, good, wholesome activities is the key. What do you all think? Thanks, Tim

When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!!!

 

[TOP]

When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future!!!

Thats a good one!

 

[kell0618]

Hello, I,ve been despairing for a couple of months, just past. Last night, I went back to confession. The Priest and I had a serious talk about my problems. He seemed very concerned, but he stuck to the basic’s. Go to church every sabbath and pray daily. Today I had the Eucharist for the first time in almost 3 months. As soon as I got home, my thoughts cleared up and I realized I had to forget the past. I have received this advice before, but it never clicked. What are some tips to move on? I think replacing bad memories with new, good, wholesome activities is the key. What do you all think? Thanks, Tim

It is an action needed on your part. Picture Jesus walking along side of you and continually asking to take the bag loaded with bricks which you have slung over your back, and you refuse the help. He asks; you tell Him no. Over and over you do this again. Ask yourself why you insist upon carrying this bag? There’s a reason. What is it? In finding the answer to these questions, you’ll find the road to letting go.

Peace be with you,

Kelly

 

[Siena]

You might be interested in this passage from the diary of St. Faustina:

“On the evening of the last day before my departure for Vilnius, an elderly sister revealed the condition of her soul to me. She said that she had already been suffering interiorly for several years, that it seemed to her that all her confessions had been bad, and that she had doubts as to whether the Lord Jesus had forgiven her. I asked her if she had ever told her confessors and… “the confessors are always telling me to be at peace, but I still suffer very much, and nothing brings me relief, and it constantly seems to me that God has not forgiven me.” I answered, " You obey your confessor, Sister, and be fully at peace, because this is certainly a temptation.” But she entreated me with tears in her eyes to ask Jesus if He had forgiven her and whether her confessions had been good or not. I answered forcefully, “Ask him yourself, Sister, if you don’t believe your confessors!” But she clutched my hand and did not want to let go until I gave her an answer, and she kept asking me to pray for her and to let her know what Jesus would tell me about her. Crying bitterly, she would not let me go and she said to me, “I know that the Lord Jesus speaks to you, Sister.” Since she was clutching my hand and I could not wrench myself away, I promised her I would pray for her. In the evening, during Benediction, I heard these words in my soul. “Tell her that her disbelief wounds My heart more than the sins she committed.” When I told her this, she began to cry like a child, and great joy entered her soul. I understood that God wanted to console this soul through me. Even though it cost me a great deal, I fulfilled God’s wish." (Diary, p. 628)

 

[TOP]

It is an action needed on your part. Picture Jesus walking along side of you and continually asking to take the bag loaded with bricks which you have slung over your back, and you refuse the help. He asks; you tell Him no. Over and over you do this again. Ask yourself why you insist upon carrying this bag? There’s a reason. What is it? In finding the answer to these questions, you’ll find the road to letting go.

Peace be with you,

Kelly

I don’t blame the devil, I blame myself. I now recognize when I could have made the right choice’s in the past , but spurned it. I feel I was evil before, really evil. During my “saving grace” 2 years ago, I was shown a particular truth because I prayed for it. The Lord granted it and I could not handle the truth and told Him to take it away. He then wrapped me in love and consoled me. But the devil is constantly reminding me of that truth. That evil souls go to hell. Then he lies and mixes truth in so I can’t discern at all. So the Lord is telling me that all that is illrelevent and I now have a solid foundation to build on. I can’t fight the devil without Jesus, he is to sutle and sly. I spring a trap then see it seconds, minutes, hours later. If I’m in mortal sin, I don’t see it at all. Is this the path to salvation, is this normal? Tim

 

[TOP]

You might be interested in this passage from the diary of St. Faustina:

“On the evening of the last day before my departure for Vilnius, an elderly sister revealed the condition of her soul to me. She said that she had already been suffering interiorly for several years, that it seemed to her that all her confessions had been bad, and that she had doubts as to whether the Lord Jesus had forgiven her. I asked her if she had ever told her confessors and… “the confessors are always telling me to be at peace, but I still suffer very much, and nothing brings me relief, and it constantly seems to me that God has not forgiven me.” I answered, " You obey your confessor, Sister, and be fully at peace, because this is certainly a temptation.” But she entreated me with tears in her eyes to ask Jesus if He had forgiven her and whether her confessions had been good or not. I answered forcefully, “Ask him yourself, Sister, if you don’t believe your confessors!” But she clutched my hand and did not want to let go until I gave her an answer, and she kept asking me to pray for her and to let her know what Jesus would tell me about her. Crying bitterly, she would not let me go and she said to me, “I know that the Lord Jesus speaks to you, Sister.” Since she was clutching my hand and I could not wrench myself away, I promised her I would pray for her. In the evening, during Benediction, I heard these words in my soul. “Tell her that her disbelief wounds My heart more than the sins she committed.” When I told her this, she began to cry like a child, and great joy entered her soul. I understood that God wanted to console this soul through me. Even though it cost me a great deal, I fulfilled God’s wish." (Diary, p. 628)

Yes, I have a devotion and friendship with St. Faustina. Thanks for reminding me of that passage. “Jesus, I trust in You”. Tim

 

[TOP]

It is an action needed on your part. Picture Jesus walking along side of you and continually asking to take the bag loaded with bricks which you have slung over your back, and you refuse the help. He asks; you tell Him no. Over and over you do this again. Ask yourself why you insist upon carrying this bag? There’s a reason. What is it? In finding the answer to these questions, you’ll find the road to letting go.

Peace be with you,

Kelly

I have a bad habit of looking at the guy next to me while carrying the bag and saying , Hey look Jesus is walking with me, then I don’t hear Jesus. Tim