Eight years ago this April, I experienced an indescribable heartbreak—I discovered that my best friend had been embezzling from me for over twelve years.

I had trusted her with everything. I had shared my secrets with her. She had even kept my children when my husband and I had gone out of town for a date weekend. She had betrayed me, not just once but over and over and over again for years.

When I learned this dreadful secret, I was in shock. I felt angry, stupid, embarrassed, and crushed beyond anything that I can even define to you in understandable terms. I was sick with worry about my business, my family, and the future.

Sick was right. A year later, doctors hung a diagnosis of breast cancer on me, then five months later a diagnosis of melanoma. Had I been more vulnerable to the cancer because of the devastation of this deep hurt and betrayal? Only God knows. One thing I know for sure was that God worked miracles in my life by slamming these enormous storms together.

Marianne Williamson once said, “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die.” I realized that if I continued to carry the poison of unforgiveness in my heart while carrying the poison of cancer in my body that I would almost certainly die.

Because it was all too much for me, I surrendered it to God and here’s the first miracle—I forgave her. I really did. And let me tell you that I am absolutely certain that I could not have done that on my own.

The second equally-amazing miracle is that this year I celebrate seven years being free of both cancers. God’s been so good to me, and it is not because of anything I have done. It is what He has done. He has healed me and brought me through the pain of betrayal.

What makes betrayal so painful? It is that someone you love deeply who knows your character, your longings and your heart can do that to you. “Only a friend can betray a friend, a stranger has nothing to gain, and only a friend comes close enough to ever cause so much pain.” (Michael Card, songwriter)

Jesus understands. He had spent three years with Judas—eating with him, sleeping beside him, laughing with him. Jesus had not taken the matter lightly. He had prayed all night before choosing the twelve. He knew Judas would betray Him and He would be spending every day with him for those years, and He chose him anyway. (Here’s where I stop, and say that He is God and I am not. I could never do that.)

If you have been betrayed by someone you love deeply, whether it is a spouse or a child or your best friend, don’t give up. You are walking where many great people have walked, they have only been called great because they never gave up. God can take our pain and make us more useful for His greater purposes in reaching and comforting others.

The greatest act of love in the history of the world happened after Jesus’ deep betrayal by Judas. He didn’t give up, and it changed the world.

Happy Easter!

Dear Lord: As we reflect on Jesus’ path of love to the cross this week leading up to Easter, may we never forget His amazing sacrifice to save us from our sins. Thank You for giving Your Son to die for us. Help us to be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as You have forgiven us through Christ.  Amen

… So Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.”  John 13:27

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:33-34

Please share your comments, thoughts and experiences.  Thank you for reading and sharing my blogpost.

At the cross, may we not only find forgiveness for ourselves, but forgiveness for our fellow man as well.