“Can’t Forgive?” Blog #201

No one understands what I went through, right?

Why should I forgive what they did to me anyway?

I feel empty, it takes up all of me, how can I let it all go?

There is a part of me inside where all the pain from my past stays hidden. But then does it

really? Maybe an event, or a song or a holiday brings it all back into focus. That terrible

moment when nothing could take the place of what happened. Maybe if I tried to be

more honest, the way I act, the thoughts I think and the people I attract, all have a part in

how I look at myself internally. Of course, that is a true statement about me. Yet, how can

Love and Anger exist together?

Well, someone once told me, “Its important to be patient with myself”. My past is gone.

Even though my life has been messy and lots of stuff has happened I would just as soon

not remember. It’s time to go gently with myself and remember,

“At the time things happened, I had the only tools I needed and could work with”. Even out

of messy, sad, uncomfortable situations, comes growth if I choose it.

So I try to be more gentle with myself and remember never to give up.

Being positive about all aspects of my life now makes me feel brave. I was never brave

being depressed, sad or angry. There is always a way out of things. It’s been said, “If you

really want to make God laugh, tell him your plans”. It make sense to believe when I am

vulnerable by praying and taking the time to share with Jesus why I hurt, this is when and

where and how I become strong. It’s time for me to find something in my life that has

meaning. It’s time to really try hard to search and see what I am all about. It’s time for the

authentic me.

Here is a fascinating fact, Forgiving someone actually improves their health. The Mayo

Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota states the following, “Forgiveness improves one’s chance for

a heart attack, reduces blood pressure, improves cholesterol levels and reduces

symptoms of depression, anxiety and hostility.” So still stuck in unforgiving? In other words,

forgiveness leads to better understanding of myself, empathy and compassion for others!

Hearing all of the above, do I really want to continue to harbor feelings of anger, hatred,

depression, resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness inside of my own heart? I think not!

HOW CAN I POSSIBLY FORGIVE ALL THE THINGS THAT HAVE HAPPENED TO ME?

By simply believing this - All that has happened in my past is gone forever. Every person

and every event and every situation that has ever happened to me, happened for my own

growth. It is up to me to be learning from all of my past life experiences and let go of

anything that did not make sense. Above all,

“TIME TO LET GO AND LET GOD TAKE OVER”

Can I bring my faith into my being and replace all unforgiveness?