There’s a moment most of us face at some point—maybe it’s while standing outside a school recital, attending a birthday after a long absence, or sending a hesitant text after months (or years) of silence. It’s that internal question:
“Is it too late to show up?”
Maybe life took you on a detour. Maybe separation, incarceration, addiction, fear, or just plain shame kept you from being the parent, sibling, or loved one you meant to be. And now you’re here—wanting to show up. But haunted by the time you didn’t.
I want you to hear this loud and clear:
It is never too late to show up.
God doesn’t waste pain, and He doesn’t disqualify the willing.
Redemption Starts Where You Stand
In the Gospel of Luke, the prodigal son comes home dirty, empty, and ashamed. But the father doesn’t meet him with guilt or punishment—he runs to him. Wraps him in robes. Throws a feast.
That story isn’t just a parable—it’s a blueprint.
Redemption doesn’t require perfection; it requires presence.
It requires showing up, even if your hands still tremble. Even if your voice cracks. Even if the first step feels like a crawl because you don't want to feel that uncomfortable.
Being Grounded in Christ Gives You Permission to Return
When we talk about Healing Ground, we’re not just talking about physical reunions or letters sent home—we’re talking about the sacred place where your feet stand, even if that ground was scorched by mistakes.
Scripture reminds us in Ephesians 6 to “put on the full armor of God” and stand. That’s it. Not run, not sprint, not make up for lost time—but stand.
And to stand firm in Christ means:
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You are rooted in grace, not guilt.
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You are led by truth, not timelines.
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You are powered by the Spirit, not your own strength.
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How to Show Up (Even After Years Have Passed)
Here’s what showing up might look like:
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Writing a letter and admitting you wish you had come sooner.
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Praying over a child’s name you haven’t spoken aloud in years.
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Sending one small message: “I’m here now if you’ll have me.”
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Forgiving yourself, even if others aren’t ready to.
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Starting with presence, not promises.
You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to be planted.
And when you're rooted in Christ, you can weather the awkward silences, the hard conversations, and the slow rebuild. -
Because let me tell you - there WILL be tough conversations, there WILL be arguments, your patience will be tested. Take it from me, its not easy to keep showing up when you have to navigate all the emotions inside of you and be there for another person too.
Its not for the faint of heart.
Let the Healing Begin from Where You Are
This blog is part of a larger movement at Healing Ground—a place for people who want to repair the gaps that years and pain have carved. We believe in family restoration, emotional honesty, and spiritual grounding. And we believe it starts with someone brave enough to stand up and say:
“I’m here. I’m showing up. I missed years, but I’m not missing this moment.”
That might be you today.
And that’s more than enough.