At The Healing Conference in Grand Junction, Colorado, educator and lifelong Coloradan Lisa Romero took the stage to share a personal story of trauma, resilience, and healing. Her story, built on decades of pain, underscores a powerful message: forgiveness is transformative, even when it feels undeserved. Lisa Romero’s journey to healing began with forgiving those who hurt her, ultimately reshaping her life and relationships.
Defining Healing: A Personal Perspective
Lisa Romero opened her speech with definitions, explaining that healing is “the process of becoming sound or healthy again.” For her, healing transcended physical wellness; it involved emotional restoration after years of trauma and loss. Her journey centered on finding inner peace, which, for Romero, was linked to forgiveness.
A Childhood Marked by Hardship
Romero’s early years were fraught with difficulties. At just five, she was abandoned by her mother, who chose to leave Lisa Romero and her brother with their father. This separation marked the beginning of a painful journey. Living in California with her mother before reuniting with her father, Romero endured a home environment filled with scarcity, neglect, and abuse. She recounted the painful memory of enduring physical and sexual abuse, a trauma she would carry with her for years.
The Emotional Toll of Separation
When her father took Lisa and her brother in, Lisa Romero initially felt relieved, hopeful that she had escaped her tumultuous life in California. But the challenges were far from over. Her father, grappling with alcoholism, couldn’t offer the stability she craved. The absence of her mother during court hearings and her daily life left Romero feeling abandoned, which compounded her feelings of worthlessness and sadness.
Teenage Struggles and the Lure of Alcohol
In high school, Lisa turned to alcohol as an escape from her unresolved pain and loneliness. Drinking became a weekend routine, and despite the consequences, it felt like a way to cope. It wasn’t until she attended college that she realized alcohol couldn’t fill the void or resolve her emotional turmoil.
Pursuing Education Against the Odds
Defying her circumstances, Lisa Romero pursued higher education. Teachers and peers alike had doubted her abilities, labeling her as “poor” and “unwanted.” Determined to defy expectations, Romero attended college, earning an associate degree in early childhood education and a bachelor’s degree in sociology. Yet, despite her academic achievements, the internal pain lingered.
Reconnecting with Her Mother
As Lisa grew older and became a mother, she felt an intense longing to reconnect with her mother. After years of searching and prayer, she was unexpectedly given her mother’s phone number. In that pivotal moment, Lisa Romero let go of her anger, choosing instead to forgive. She didn’t know how profound this act would be, but she extended forgiveness, opening the door to a new relationship with her mother.
Forgiving the Unforgivable
Forgiving her mother was only part of Romero’s journey. She also needed to reconcile with her father, who had been a complicated presence. Despite his flaws, she recognized the depth of her need for his love. Forgiveness softened her heart with time, paving the way for a meaningful father-daughter relationship.
The Unexpected Gift of Forgiveness
One day, Lisa Romero’s father gave her a life-changing gift: a $250,000 lottery ticket. This surprising gesture represented his regret and gratitude for her compassion. This gift allowed Romero to achieve financial stability, but more importantly, it symbolized his acknowledgment of the love she had shown him despite his mistakes.
The Role of Faith in Forgiveness
Throughout her life, Lisa’s faith was a guiding force. Her grandmother, a strong presence, instilled in her the importance of forgiveness, teaching her that holding onto anger only deepened the pain. Romero’s spiritual journey reminded her that forgiveness, though challenging, was essential for inner peace.
Forgiveness in the Face of New Challenges
As Lisa Romero faces a divorce, her faith in forgiveness remains steadfast. In her pain, she once again turns to forgiveness as a source of healing. Listing each grievance, she prays for strength to release her resentment, allowing herself the freedom to heal.
Scriptures as a Source of Strength
Lisa Romero referenced Bible verses like Ephesians 4:32 and Matthew 6:14, which emphasize kindness and forgiveness. These verses echo her belief that forgiveness is a divine mandate that brings peace and closure. Through these teachings, she could forgive those who hurt her most profoundly.
The Transformative Power of Forgiveness
Lisa Romero closed her talk by emphasizing that forgiveness is an act for others and a gift for oneself. Forgiving her parents brought peace, and her life dramatically improved as she let go of past grievances. She encourages others to find their path to healing through forgiveness, recognizing it as the most challenging yet rewarding step on her journey.
Embracing Healing as a Lifelong Journey
For Lisa, healing is ongoing. Her relationships with her mother and father are filled with respect, understanding, and care, even though they are imperfect. She now supports her mother, creating a space for healing for both of them. Her relationship with her father, once fraught with bitterness, is now rooted in mutual love and respect.
Conclusion: Finding Peace in Forgiveness
Lisa Romero’s story is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through forgiveness, she transformed her trauma into a life filled with love, purpose, and faith. Her message at The Healing Conference reminds us that forgiveness can be the hardest thing we do and the most liberating. Romero’s journey offers hope to those grappling with their own past, showing that peace is possible—even in the face of profound hurt.
