Finding Freedom After Deep Hurt: Choosing Forgiveness | Carla Shelton

How do you forgive someone who deeply hurt you—especially when they never apologize?

In this episode of God Says Yes, David W. Ebel welcomes author and retired school counselor Carla Shelton for an honest conversation about workplace mistreatment, bitterness, and the journey toward forgiveness.

Carla shares how repeated verbal abuse and public humiliation left her dreading work. After leaving her position, career setbacks and financial hardship affected her entire family. She began recognizing how deeply the hurt had shaped her decisions and relationships.

Her healing journey was gradual. Through prayer, Scripture, and learning about forgiveness, Carla began releasing resentment, confronting painful emotions, and forgiving herself for choices she regretted. She eventually returned to school counseling and reached her dream position before retirement.

Carla explains that forgiveness does not excuse mistreatment or give someone permission to hurt you again. For her, it meant finding freedom without waiting for an apology.

She also introduces her 21-day devotional, Forgiveness Is a Decision, and shares encouragement from Psalm 147:3 about God’s care for the brokenhearted.

If old wounds keep resurfacing, this conversation offers hope that healing can begin—and that you do not have to walk that journey alone.