Email 
Bookmark 
Print Advice
Lately, my mom has been asking why she and I aren't close like we used to be. I am a Christian and she is still testing the waters of Christianity. Last night I had a difficult time falling asleep. I was remembering the different times in my life when my mom has called me a "female dog." Some of those times were in a joking manner, while others were very painful. I don't want to live in the past or hurt my mom. Should I confront her, or just give it to the Lord?
Since your mother keeps asking you why you aren't close as you used to be, obviously that is troubling her. Since you couldn't sleep for remembering about how cruelly your mother spoke to you at times, I suspect that you need some unburdening of your own of the painful feelings (and probably resentment and anger) that your mother caused you.
So it might clear the air a bit on both sides if you follow Jesus' advice. He said, "If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over" (Matthew 18:15). And Luke 3:3 says, "And if he repents, forgive him."
We can pray that this will result in the healing of the breach, as well as the inner healing of yourself. When we rid ourselves of "junk," we realize true peace!
May the Lord be with you in this.
Dr. Muriel
