It’s hard to let you go, but it’s time.
“Freedom can be diminished by overly strong attachments, by a dependence on someone whom we love too much (and in the wrong way), who becomes so indispensable to us that we partly lose our autonomy. But a refusal to forgive also binds us to the person we resent, and diminishes or destroys our freedom. We are as dependent on the people we hate as on those we love in a disproportionate manner.”
Fr. Jacques Phillipe, Interior Freedom
For my teachers who hurt me, embarrassed me publicly, caused me to distrust the system, caused me to want to become an ignorant contrarian, and made me lose faith in those who held power…
I release you and forgive you. You were men and women, who doing what you thought was right, failed, but I won’t hold that against you any longer. You are not our shared past. I hope you are doing well, you are healthy and loved, and life brings you peace and joy.
For the backwoods ministers who sowed seeds of anger, prejudice, hate, and jealousy…
I release you and forgive you. You were scared, ignorant of the deeper meaning behind what you preached, and you were as lost as anyone else. I let fear and anger seep into my heart, and, for a time, I hated you and your kind. No more. I understand you, and I hurt for you. You didn’t choose this. You merely failed to overcome it. I pray that you overcome yourself. I hope that life finds you healthy and well, that you are loved by those close to you, and that God grants you peace of mind and heart.
For those close to me that took advantage of me, broke my heart, slandered me, stole from me, lied to me, and betrayed me in every way…
I release you and forgive you. Life is hard for us all, and, while what you did was unconscionable, you are not the things you have done. I hope you know that. You had reasons and intentions that I’ll never comprehend. I can’t look into your heart, but you should know my heart breaks for you. I pray you’re well taken care of and that your life is long and full of love and peace. I hope you have many todays not spent worrying about tomorrows.
To anyone I forgot, the same applies. I’m releasing you and forgiving you. I don’t want to cling to one more scrap of a hurtful and hate-filled past.
Look, we’re just people - people doing people things.
It’s hard to do the right thing or even know what the right thing is half the time. Our heads and hearts don’t get along all the time. We’ve all been let down. I don’t know any better way than you do. I’m just a fool stumbling around in the same dark room as you, bumping into furniture I didn’t put there, wondering if the next moment will be feast or famine.
Times are tough. Mistakes will be made.
There are dozens (if not more) people out there who will have to find a way to forgive me, too. I’m not any better or kinder a person than anyone I mentioned above.
If you haven’t found a way to forgive, let me say this. Don’t hold on to me or anyone else… not that way. Let go. Be free. Choose it. You really can do that. Trust me! If an angry, bitter old man like me can do it, anyone can.
Put it down, go outside, take a deep breath of fresh air, and know that you don’t have to carry anyone around. You don’t have to be angry. You don’t have to wish for someone’s punishment. You don’t have to be justice.
Go be merciful, and be free, my friend. Forgive yesterday, and fall in love today.
If you don’t feel better afterward, I’ll personally come to your house and hug you until you do.
Omnia ad Jesum per Mariam.
Forgiveness is so liberating. Lovely post by the way!
It has been said that the most influential person in your life is the one your refuse to forgive. Let them go through forgiveness. Set yourself free.
Thank you, Jeremy