Forgiveness
This is an article that I wrote for "Southern Dallas Business & Living Magazine", November 2013.
Forgiveness
This Thanksgiving as we meditate on the many blessings bestowed upon us pause for a minute and dwell on forgiveness. In forgiveness, we give ourselves the freedom to be peaceful and to receive joy in abundance.
As I reflect back on Mega Fest 2013, it was a really beautiful Thursday morning in the metroplex. The sun was blushing, excitement filled the air and I was thrilled to be attending Oprah’s “Lifeclass”. I availed myself to be empowered by this wonderful experience. As I approached, the Victory Avenue/Hi-Line Dr. exit into the American Airline Center the traffic was endless. I knew I was in for a treat.
Back down Memory Lane:
It’s about 9:30 a.m. and Oprah & Bishop T.D. Jakes takes to the stage. The crowd erupts applauding and cheering a warm welcome to these two great teachers. The lesson being taught here today was the exact same message I had been inspired to write on “forgiveness”.
We live in a world and in an instant where people will defiantly wrong others and think nothing of it. After the wreckage and trust disintegrate into thin air the simple most pure thing we give to another and hope it’s secure. Then, the unthinkable it’s abused and misused. Trust is betrayed.
People all over the arena at one time or another during this lesson shed a tear or two or eyes were misty just listening to some of the stories of betrayal and forgiveness in this “Lifeclass”.
I thought about how to forgive when you do not feel the other person deserves forgiveness. I reflected on why people do what they do. I clearly understand that some do what they do because of spite; some because of the ruins in their own lives; some because they don’t understand.
Indeed this life does bring with it lessons we didn’t sign up for: betrayal, disappointment, bitterness, envy, and resentment. But, just like dark clouds bring rain soon the sun will move from behind the clouds and chase them away. Forgiveness works the exact same way.
It’s water under the bridge. Sometimes you just have to let it go and let it be. Time keeps moving and you cannot reclaim the moment. You cannot go back to what was the water keeps flowing and you have to keep moving.
In thinking about the threads that make up the fabric of who we are is a world woven by threads from different ethics and value systems. In the same likeness, some can’t reconcile until they’re able to identify with their own problems.
Or, until one day they realize the bridge they burned they need it to cross back over to the other side again. That other side could be a clear conscious. That other side could be to fill a void; that other side could be what was so perfect in the beginning was not so perfect; that other side could be nothing is going right in their lives or that other side could be they cannot move forward until they forgive.
I recall an old adage don't let the sun go down and you are angry. I’ve carried this with me my entire life. I have always made it my business not to go to bed angry. I’ve always believed in whatever the situation to forgive it quickly. Unfortunately, I’ve come to realize that depending upon the matter some will not allow forgiveness because they can’t rise above it.
Breakthrough:
When you allow anger, bitterness, resentment all the different pains associated with an unforgiven situation to consume you it becomes difficult. When it gets to this point, you really have to fight hard for yourself, really hard to stay within your purpose, your truth, and not become a drop out in life.
Life is not fair, but God is. Trust can be restored, bridges can be repaired and he can take you from where you are to where you want to be.
In the words of Bishop T. D. Jakes, “we have to learn not to comfort ourselves with our own anger”. Instead, if you have a hole in your soul fill it with things that work. Give what you did not get and it will be given to you again.
I know you feel if you forgive you are giving away power. Instead, it’s the other way around if you do not forgive you are empowering the situation to control you. I encourage you to let the pain go, forgive, and learn to love the person who harmed you. Learn to have a perfect love for an imperfect person.
Let go, forgive and love yourself more than the situation that bore a hole in your soul and accept the fact that some can't give what they don't have. You have to see them for who they are and love them on their level.
Decline to allow other people's distractions to get you out of your purpose. There is one thing I know for sure and that is when you operate within the spirit of God he will take care of you. He will give you what the other person thought he took from you.
God will defy every label others try to place upon you to make themselves appear to be superior to your worth. If God favors you know that the only thing that can defeat you is in this life is you. When others try to take your strength he will lift you up and give you victory over the situation.
Help to bring the bigger picture into perspective. Plant the seed of forgiveness and in due time you’ll reap a harvest. Count your blessings walk on in victory and say thank you God for the experience.
I would like to wish you and your blessings of happiness, health, and prosperity this Thanksgiving and always.
~aurora
Aurora the light
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