Financial Freedom, heck yes! But this one freedom must come first [do you have what it takes?]

Hello, fellow rebuilders! I’m Pamela J, your host, mentor, and creator of The REBUILD podcast and blog. In today’s post, I’m diving deep into the concept of freedom, but in a way you might not expect. We often talk about financial freedom, and while that’s a worthy goal, I want to explore a different kind of freedom—freedom from the bondage of unforgiveness.

A New Perspective on Freedom

With the season of giving and receiving fresh in our minds—this post dropping on Christmas Day 2025—I’m here to remind you that the freedom I’m discussing is timeless. It’s about shedding the heavy chains of unforgiveness, a concept that can initially feel uncomfortable, like letting the person who wronged you off the hook. But it’s not about them; it’s about liberating you.

When you hold onto grudges, you only hold yourself down. Remember the Lord’s Prayer, where we ask for forgiveness and extend it to those who’ve wronged us? It’s essential because we’re all sinners needing daily forgiveness.

My Journey to Forgiveness

Let me share a deeply personal story. My biological father passed away when I was just three, leaving my mother with three young children. She remarried an abusive alcoholic, which resulted in years of hardship. Experiencing this chaos, I grew angry with God, my stepfather, and even my mom. Carrying that resentment kept me in bondage.

One transformative night, I broke down and sought forgiveness from God, from my late father as I had harbored frustration towards my mom, from my stepfather, and most significantly, from myself. That night was liberating, paving the way for me to forgive others more freely and more frequently.

Where Do You Begin?

As we step into 2026, I urge you to look inward: who do you need to forgive to set yourself free? Start by creating your forgiveness list. Even if you find the past hurts need forgiving multiple times, follow the advice from Matthew 18:21-22—“Forgive 70 times seven”—meaning forgiveness is an ongoing practice.

3 Steps Toward Freedom

1. Create Your Forgiveness List: Name those you need to forgive. Recall Matthew's teaching—it’s a continuous journey.

2. Forgive Yourself: Recognize the personal burdens you've carried. Even if it's 70 times seven, release that bitterness. Start by forgiving your own self, then move to forgiving others.

3. Embrace Daily Devotion: Recite the Lord’s Prayer and let its words settle deep in your heart.

2026 holds a promise of freedom and success and I am your biggest cheerleader throughout this process.

Merry Christmas, fellow rebuilders! Live free, love freely, and let's step into 2026 with hearts unburdened and spirits elevated.

Until next time!

xo, PJ

P.S. Stay connected and in community over on my YouTube Channel. I look forward to seeing you there!