Many people talk a good game when it comes to forgiving people, sounds good on paper,
A few months ago a mainstream author sent out a request for people to send in stories who had survived abuse at the hands of parents or guardians...I prayed about it and sent in a story about my stepdad, he was a man who felt it was okay to hit my mom and to then hit me, because I felt it was my job to defend her,,,and I am here to tell you, he never became a favorite person of mine, however, one day he stopped hitting my mom, I was gone by then, not sure what transpired all that, but they lived together for twenty-something more years before they died, four months apart...
Once, I had children, I knew that he would be around them, but, I also knew for whatever reason he would never hit them...or harm them, so I talked to God and made a decision to forgive him and free myself...he and I had a cordial relationship, we both loved my mama and what had transpired was over...he also had very good relationships with my sons, all they knew of him was how he treated them and how generous he was to them...I never told them any different...life went on..that is how God works...
Well, that is the story I sent in, and the author wrote me back, trying to change my mind and my story...it was so hard for her to wrap her mind around having forgiven someone who hit you...I told her that I was sorry that I couldnt make up what she wanted or needed to hear...I gave her truth, that I was angry at him and my mom for years, but that one day I knew I had to forgive them both and once I did I was free from all that pain and anger....I never heard from her again...not surprised, at all...because as I said, People talk good game...
However, I have been forgiven and have forgiven more times than I can count, and I thank God for it...which is why everything I write have elements of forgiving and compromise to make life work...many find that unrealistic, and I understand why...until you have learned to forgive or compromise...it is unrealistic....
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BE THE PEACE YOU SEEK...
angelia
4 comments:
Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves. It releases the chains of resentment, hate, & anger that has us bound. Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetfulness. So many of us have warped the concept. Its freedom! Life lessons have taught me that 'Life goes on' whether I forgive or not. I've seen people that have hurt me in the past appear to be doing fine, while I had lost my shine for life. Love heals---Hate kills. GOD sees, hears, & knows all. In time the truth is revealed. It always is. Judgment should come from GOD. We block our blessings trying to do his job instead of living our purpose. Peace & Blessings xoxoxo
Angela,
that is exactly it and I refuse to live my life bound by bitterness, and to my last breath...I will always speak or write of forgiving...not cosigning or supporting foolishness but the freedom of forgiving and moving forth...PEACE
I had to learn to forgive my father for a number of reasons. It was not until I was 40 yrs old that I could. When he became sick with Cancer we talked every so often and I was sad when he died. I believe that because I was willing to forgive him, it prevented me from being bitter and angry. Forgivness is very powerful.
Great Blog Angelia :-)
'Cilla,
Forgiving is POWER and FREEDOM~
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