Dear CLDI Family and Friends,
When I was a kid, I wasn’t the worst kid in the class, but I always seemed to be the one who got caught. Whether it was talking too much, lying, or not doing my homework. It felt like I couldn’t hide my mistakes, and at the time, I didn’t like it one bit. But now that I’m older, I can see how God was using those moments to shape me. He was teaching me something important: how to own my mistakes and ask for forgiveness.
We often talk about the importance of forgiving others, but there’s another side to the story: sometimes we are the ones who need to ask for forgiveness. We all make mistakes, whether through our words, our actions, or our attitudes. Jesus knew this when He taught us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us” (Matthew 6:12). Every time we pray those words, we are reminded that we not only need to forgive but also need to seek forgiveness when we have hurt someone else. It’s humbling to admit we are wrong, but it’s a powerful step toward restoration and healing.
When we ask for forgiveness, it restores relationships between us and the person we have wronged. It’s a way of saying, “I know I hurt you, and I want to make it right, please forgive me.” That simple act can heal wounds and build trust again. But asking for forgiveness also restores our own hearts. Carrying guilt and shame is like walking through life with a heavy backpack, and when we ask for forgiveness, we lay that burden down. We can walk in freedom, knowing we are living in the light of God’s grace.
Finally, asking for forgiveness helps protect the unity of our community. When we don’t address our mistakes, others may take sides, and division can grow. But when we humble ourselves and make things right, we stop that from happening. We show that we care more about peace than pride. So while forgiving others is important, let’s also practice asking for forgiveness when we need it. It’s a way to reflect God’s heart, to heal broken relationships, and to live in the freedom of His love.
Currently reading & listening.
In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown invites readers to let go of who they think they’re supposed to be and embrace who they truly are. Through a blend of research, personal stories, and insight, Brown explores how shame, fear, and the need for perfection often prevent us from living fully and authentically.
She introduces ten guideposts for wholehearted living—practices like cultivating self-compassion, letting go of comparison, and embracing creativity—that help individuals lead a more connected and courageous life. At its heart, the book is a call to embrace vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.
Brown’s message is simple but powerful: our imperfections are not shortcomings—they’re part of what makes us human. By accepting and owning them, we can live more fulfilling and wholehearted lives.
CLDI Monthly Snapshot
- Our interns are back from their international exposure trip! We are excited to hear about their experience and to have them stateside again.
- Hannah House had another resident successfully transition out. We are sad to see her go, but we are happy for her to have made this big step in life.
- We are already seeing several kids signing up for Wyldlife Camp at Creekside. This is an incredible experience for our local youth, and we want the right students to attend.
Scripture to Meditate On
“Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy. May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”
Mathew 6:9-13
Blessings,
Kaleb Perdew
