Freedom from Bondage
The Quiet Work of Letting Go
In the final story of the Alcoholics Anonymous Big Book, a woman writes about being freed from resentment — not by time, not by therapy, not even by apology — but by prayer.
Her method was simple:
“If you have resentment you want to be free of, pray for the person or thing that you resent. Ask for their health, their prosperity, and their happiness, and you will be free.”
At first, she didn’t mean it. But she prayed anyway. And in time, her heart softened. What began as words spoken through clenched teeth became truth spoken through an open heart. That’s what grace does. It doesn’t erase what happened. It rewires how we carry it.
What This Teaches Me
Resentment keeps me bound to the past. Grace doesn’t demand that I forget — it simply invites me to release. When I pray for someone I resent, I’m not excusing them. I’m freeing myself.
Grace isn’t polite.
It’s radical.
It’s what happens when I stop trying to change other people and ask God to change me instead.
A Simple Practice
If you’re holding on to someone — or something — that’s heavy, try this: Each morning, pray for their good. Even if it feels fake.
May they be happy.
May they be healthy.
May they live in peace.
May I be free.
Somewhere along the way, your heart will shift. And when it does, you’ll understand that forgiveness was never about them.
It was about your freedom.
Prayer
God, teach me to love the people I don’t understand.
Teach me to bless where I once cursed.
Teach me to pray for the ones who hurt me, not because they deserve it — but because You desire it.
Let Your grace untie every knot in my chest.
Let my freedom begin with surrender.
Amen.
Still…
Still releasing.
Still praying through gritted teeth some days.
Still discovering that every act of letting go is really just another form of love.
With much gratitude and love - DeeBo