Thursday, November 17, 2011

Forgiveness

Forgiveness. Is it more important to you to forgive a loved one, and thereby keep the connection with that person, or to see yourself as a victim, hold on to a grudge, and become estranged from that person? In her memoir, Breaking Night, Liz Murray, a victim of neglectful parents, tells how she chose to let go of feelings of victimhood, like releasing helium balloons into the air. It was more important to her to remain connected with those whom she loved. That is a rare attribute, isn't it? It is the essence of Jesus Christ, yet, few of us who proclaim Him to be our Lord practice forgiveness.

Ironically, school became Liz's refuge. I say ironically, because she did not see the value of school until she was seventeen. If we practice forgiveness, does God give us refuge, lead us in a direction where we can find outlets for our God-given talents? Does He give us angels, and/or the Holy Spirit, to help us develop the work ethic needed to persevere on the path He is leading us? Is forgiveness the highest form of mental health?

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