My earthly father and I never had a close relationship. Even when he tried, I was not in lock-step with him to nurture a relationship. I had unforgiveness in my heart, that kept me at a distance until I received Christ in 1999.
The Lord began to turn back the hands of time in my heart, not just toward my dad, but quite a few others as well. God is able to go back in time and heal the pain of yesterday, that still has us gripped today. He is the One who was... and is... and is to come - in control of yesterday, today, and tomorrow.
Before he passed away, my dad and I reconciled, and I still have those precious mementos that he shared with me.
He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair
Album: Beauty for Ashes by Crystal Lewis
Today, my relationship with my heavenly Father has more than made up for what I didn't have with my earthly father.
I would like to recommend a blogpost I wrote a few months ago about how God helped me get delivered. Here's the link: I Forgave Them And Let It Go
Dee Richardson, Voice of the Dove †