And, of course, families are divided. Once a young man had all kinds of promise to be successful as an actor. But every time he was offered a great part, he would blow it. When time came to sign contracts, he would become upset about the way the producer or his agent handled the negotiations. Or he would blow up about some other insignificant detail. Eventually, the whole opportunity would fizzle.

It was obvious he was sabotaging his own career. A therapist was brought in. The therapist told him, "Imagine that you're in your hometown. There is the theater, there is the marquee, there is your name in lights." At that point this young man jumped out of his chair. His face was red with anger and hatred. "No! No!" he shouted. "They don't deserve it! They don't deserve to see me as a success!"

The therapist now knew that there was a reason the young man was sabotaging his own success. He was angry at his mother and father. Something so terrible had happened somewhere in his growing up that he wanted to fail in order to punish them.

Jesus can heal our past and help us to be a true success living in God's love.

Ron Newhouse