Over the years I've had many reasons not to honor my mother. Much of my childhood and teenage years was difficult. At the age of fifteen I accepted Christ as my personal Savior. I was excited and was looking forward to all the changes this would bring in my life. I knew God's Word said we become new creatures and the old is gone. But I did not anticipate for the next 20 years the struggles I would have with my family, especially my mom. I knew God was asking me to love my mom through His eyes. My response: I would try. Immediately the battle between my flesh and spirit began, many times my flesh winning. But recently, at a women's retreat I was faced again with the powerful truth that Jesus loves people before they change, while they are still sinners even. I knew it was time to release my mother. I am learning to love her in a different way, seeing her as a person in need of a Savior and valued in His sight. I'm learning to forgive her for not being the mother I wished she had been. And as I release her, I find I am the one who experiences healing.