I would be surprised if anyone could grow up in this sinful world without emotional scars. There's too much cruelty, selfishness, lust, anger and fear to escape. And even those who do grow up in a safe family sooner or later engage the larger society, and the damage begins. Not only are we wounded when bad things are done to us, but we also end up wounded when we do bad things to others. As the years pass, we become both victim and perpetuator. There are people we need to forgive, but there are also people from whom we need to beg forgiveness. And through it all our subconscious mind is recording everything. Even if we succeed in driving these thoughts out of our conscious mind, they don't disappear. They merely go "underground." And the passing of time doesn't heal the damage either. A lifetime can go by with the scars of childhood or youth still influencing a personality as if they happened yesterday. So we end up carrying around toxic memories that seep their poison into our feelings, attitudes, thoughts and emotions, though we're unaware it's happening. A reaction today is actually a reaction to something that happened long ago. Fear, low self-esteem, depression, anger, sexual vulnerability, shame, greed, lying, etc. often have a root that's buried in the soil of the past. And toxic memories accumulate so it's possible to end up with so many we are unable to find peace. To receive a free copy of Dr. Steve Schell's book Understanding Romans, email us at [email protected] and ask for your copy at no charge. The book has all the notes from each sermon in this series.  Also check out our website at lifelessonspublishing.com for additional resources for pastors and leaders. We have recorded classes and other materials offered at no charge. And if you would like to receive a copy of Pastor Steve's newest book Study Verse by Verse: Revelation at no charge, we are still giving this book out as well!