The Cowboy's Homecoming by Carolyne Aarsen

Author:Carolyne Aarsen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Harlequin
Published: 2015-01-09T05:00:00+00:00

Chapter Nine

“Forgiveness, one of the more misunderstood words in the Bible, is what the Bible is all about,” Pastor Dykstra said, looking over the congregation of the Saddlebank Community Church. “Our forgiveness from God does not depend on what we do, but on who God is.” He paused and Abby caught herself glancing over at Lee Bannister, sitting across the aisle and a couple of pews ahead of her.

“Forgiveness does not mean forgetting,” the pastor continued, pulling her attention back to him. “Scars will always remain. But true forgiveness, the kind that God grants us, swallows pride and is willing to see the other person as God does. Flawed, but free. To quote Frederich Buechner, ‘When you forgive somebody who has wronged you, you’re spared the dismal corrosion of bitterness and wounded pride.’ These are words we need to take to heart.”

Abby let his words seep into her soul, and, in spite of her mother’s feelings toward the Bannisters, felt the bonds holding her heart captive loosening.

She knew her mother had to find her own way through this situation. Like the quote the pastor had just recited, her mother was feeling that same corrosion of bitterness. But Abby couldn’t carry the burden of her mother’s feelings any longer.

You’re only thinking that because you’re starting to care for Lee.

The insidious voice intruded, creating hesitation. But as Abby looked down at the Bible again, rereading the passage Pastor Dykstra had based his sermon on—the man who owed the king thousands, unable to forgive the debt of his servant who, in turn, owed him pennies—she realized she had her own unpayable debts. The fact was, she couldn’t stand before God with a pure heart either. She needed to be forgiven much and could do no less.

Emotion swept through her as she finally faced the undeniable truth. She was tired of bitterness and anger and she didn’t want it taking up her life a second longer. It had held her captive for far too long. Then, as she opened her eyes, it was as if a weight slipped off her shoulders. She was allowed to forgive Lee. And although it might have seemed unthinkable before, she finally understood that she didn’t need to drag her mother’s condemnation along with her.

Abby returned her attention back to Pastor Dykstra. When he gave them the benediction after the final song, she felt a peace pervade her life she hadn’t felt in years.

She couldn’t help the smile wreathing her lips and as she stepped into the aisle, that smile grew wider when Lee found his way to her.

“So you decided to join us after all?” he asked, tucking his worn Bible under one arm, his other hand brushing her arm as he walked alongside her.

“I did,” she said, darting a quick glance up at him, then away, his featherlight touch sending a shiver dancing down her spine. “And I’m glad I did. The sermon...well...it seemed appropriate.”

Lee slanted her a crooked smile. “I think when you’re seeking, God will find a way to speak to you.

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