The Grace of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not a one-time event.
Forgiveness can not be facilitated on your behalf.
Forgiveness is a fierce action that you take for your own soul.
Forgiveness is the full out declaration that says: I am worthy of the full grace of Spirit. I forgive to embrace the fullest expression of my life and I will let nothing get in my way!
Choosing to forgive begins with a very serious effort. Deciding to forgive is the decision to value yourself and your piece of mind more than the righteousness that comes with being hurt. It is a rare human that has not been harmed by another. It is also a rare human that has not harmed another. Sometimes this harm can seem to be purposeful, other times, it is truly an accident.
It is my personal but strong opinion that we are not born wired to do harm but trying to survive life causes us to make mistakes and these mistakes can often have victims. Fear can drive one to perpetuate actions upon another that is quite shocking, but history proves that humans can be quite cruel.
Most people will never know that level of cruelty, thank God, but there are people you know well who have suffered at the hands of others and have never told you. There are many reasons for this, one of the most common reasons is about how ‘victims’ blame themselves and take on the shame of the acts perpetrated upon them. Unreasonable – maybe, but oh so common.
Suggesting forgiveness for those who have suffered at the hands of angry, unkind and cruel people can seem downright wrong except it is not about the perpetrator, it is about your heart, your soul, your love, your existence on earth at this time.
We don’t forgive to be magnanimous, we forgive to live, to breathe the full breath of life and love. Forgiveness takes many forms but the one that is most powerful is the mindset where one remembers that hurt people, hurt people, and in recognizing this, we cultivate compassion for those who have harmed. This elevates us to walk in the grace of love always. There is an innocence that lives at the center of our being and at the center of those who appear angry, vile, and even violent. To believe this and reach for it will elevate you and activate it in others. To believe this while practicing non-judgment allows you to walk in grace. Forgiveness is not about another it is about what is alive in you, your freedom, your ability to love.
To know the reality of the world and still choose forgiveness makes you a fearless spiritual warrior. Your zest for life should be met with your dedication to forgiveness with every breath you breathe. Freedom will meet you there. Let nothing deter you from your fullness.
Rev. Dr. Michelle Wadleigh
Founding Spiritual Director of CSL North Jersey
Co-Founder of Planned Happiness Institute
Director of PHI Coaching Academy,
Email: revjerseygirl@gmail.com / 201.602.1678 /
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/revjerseygirl
