Forgiveness

For my first blog I wanted to touch on a subject which impacts all people at some point in their lives.

Whether you are on the receiving or giving end; Forgiveness can have a huge impact on your life.

Forgiveness is not about the one or ones whom we are giving the forgiveness to, it is not about whether the person was right, wrong or indifferent, it is about your own heart.

Unforgiveness is something that can hold people back, hinder relationships, lives and cause stress on the body which can lead to disease ("Deadly Emotions" by Dr. Don Colbert & "A More Excellent Way" by Henry Wright).

Forgiving Yourself; My personal story about forgiving myself

When I was one month shy of turning 16, my sister Abby was heading out to spend time with a few of her friends.  I got a sudden urge to warn her not to go...ran to the door and told her I loved her as I wrapped my arms around her...however I didn't tell her not to leave that night, and a few hours later while washing dishes - I witnessed two ambulances flying down the road, sirens blaring...I prayed for the families who would be impacted by whatever those ambulances represented...not knowing it was my own family I was saying the prayer for...My sister died that night, in a car collision.

For 10 years I carried the guilt and unforgiveness with me, like a heavy load weighing me down, silently pulling on the fabric of my soul and spirit.  I felt responsible...

I was listening to "Deadly Emotions" on tape while driving in my car (in the Fall of 2007), and I cannot remember the exact moment but Dr. Colbert spoke of those who carried unforgiveness toward themselves and the necessity of forgiving oneself.  I began to sob, a gut wrenching, hard to breath cry...  I began to pray in that moment, first I called out "I'm Sorry! I'm So Sorry!"  "Abby I am sorry"  and in that moment the Lord put it on my heart to speak out to myself - "I forgive myself!" I cannot recall just how many times I screamed those words out, driving in the dark, alone in my car - but as I faced the pain that I had carried for so long, a weight was lifted, and I felt the peace of God touch my heart.

I noticed that other relationships in my life (including the relationship with myself) changed for the better and I truly felt the positive impact of Forgiveness.

An important distinction

Forgiveness is important however it doesn't mean you must allow an abuser back into your life, be that a friend or intimate partner:  This is important because while you can forgive someone for doing something wrong - it doesn't give that person a "right" back into your life.  Rather forgiving others removes invisible chains that can cause sickness and disease - Mentally, Spiritually and Physically.

I plan to add more later, but for now I will sign off with blessings to you, I started this blog because I care and I hope that someone out there finds this liberating (as I did).

Blessings and Peace be with you