Much wisdom in your post. It is very true that we need to be responsible for our actions. For me this exercise has been backward looking at what was. Is it a good idea? I do like to live in the Now where we can find God. The problem is this book I am thinking about it is based on my past experience. I am not sure I am blaming as much as describing where I came from. That sound defensive and I hate that but Oh well. You may be right there may still be some bitterness. If I have not forgiven that is an issue. I ask Our Heavenly Father to forgive me like I forgive others in the Lord's prayer.
P#4 has taught me a lot about loving people as they are. My Dad is a good example. I am finally starting to understand why I can never gain his approval and that is OK. My Dad was traumatized and a refugee in WW2. He had to be on his own at a very young age. His life was very successful but focused on himself. That is OK! It has freed me from the need for approval. The only approval I need comes from my Lord Jesus Christ. I certainly am free from approval needs on FR! LOL
Hippy doctrine: I find God in the Now, what I have done in the past, doesn't matter because I have a version of the oldest excuse in the Book to explain away my sinfulness:
Genesis 3:
12The man said, "The woman whom you gave to be with me, she gave me fruit of the tree, and I ate."
It's not my fault, x, y, or z led me astray in __________ (fill in the blank).
Flip Wilson was wrong about "the devil made me do it." The devil led you to it, but you did it.
The only approval I need comes from my Lord Jesus Christ.
I'm guessing you didn't check with Him before some of these accusations were flung around, considering the content.
Must be the 'royal' we and our.