Let's face it: we are a product of our past and family of origin, good and bad. As Pete Scazerro says, "Jesus may be in your heart, but grandpa is in your bones."
When we consider the past, we tend to think negative thoughts. This is natural, as the damaging moments in life tend to stick with us the most. Making peace with the past is not easy, but it is possible when we understand God's deep love for us. We cannot change the past, but we can change its meaning.
The truth is, we can forgive ourselves and those who have hurt and abused us. Generational sin and hurt can be broken. Why? Because we are called to, and much is at stake.