Sunday, August 29, 2010

Forgiveness

This past week I had an interesting experience. A friend at church told me about this video and after church that day I watched it. I needed a few tissues to make my way through it, but my heart was very affected by the story. I had heard the story in the news and heard reference to this gentleman many times, but to hear him say those words and see him physically offer forgiveness was a great lesson to me.

If you haven't seen it, it is very worth your time:



I was so touched. I hope to really learn the lesson that is taught through this tragic experience.

Later that week, I was visiting with a friend of mine. She is a newer friend, so I am still learning many things about her. We were talking about some things that we had experienced and she shared with me how her own son had been the driver in an accident that had killed someone. In this case, the victims family has been filled with anger and hatred. If they had it their way, all of her family would have to pay the price for this horrible event, not just her son. Letters were sent to keep the son in jail longer and longer and longer, wishes were made that his mother would suffer death, too. My heart broke as she shared this experience. The pain was so strong, you can see that she hasn't had a moments peace since that day.

I am not trying to judge the actions of the victim's family in this case, but I am trying to share what I learned. I can see what great forces love and hate can be. Love can work miracles, bring healing and change lives. Hate can bring misery and prevent healing, it can keep the wounds just as fresh as they were when they happened.

I have no idea what I would do if placed in this situation. But I am currently making the decision to choose forgiveness. I have a situation in my own life that is very painful due to the actions of others that I cannot control. Anger and frustration are my usual emotions in response to their actions. It is time for me to let go of the anger and let them do what they are going to do. I cannot change a thing except what happens in my own heart.

So, I am working on changing, I am working on this old heart of mine still.

Love.

Forgiveness.

Peace.

That's my goal.

10 comments:

Deb said...

What a great post. Choosing forgiveness is rarely the easy route. May your Sunday be filled with tender mercies and spirit strengthening experiences.

Julie W said...

I too watched this video, and did not know I had made a choice until you put the words to it. I hope I too can choose forgiveness when presented with it, before griping or seeking sympathy. What a wonderful Sunday message for the girl who is skipping church. Thank you for your words.

Gosfam said...

What a GREAT message to uplift me as I prepare to go to church. I have recently witnessed my own self forgiving and it is truly a blessing.

Lara Neves said...

Wonderful post, Jenny. Lots to think about here. So sad about your friend and her family. I have always had the gift to be able to forgive quickly and easily, but sometimes I look at certain situations and wonder if I really could forgive if put in them.

Tawna said...

Beautifully said. I taught the Sunday School lesson on Job today. Job forgave. He turned all his sorrows over to God, which is the best way to heal: "cast your burdens at his feet and bear a song away." Thank you for your story.

Hillary said...

I was just telling Sara and Robyn about this guy last week!! I remember when this happened. He said on the news he forgave the person while he was still upside down in the car waiting for help. What an awesome awesome story thanks for sharing Jenny!!

K said...

This is a terrific one. It's amazing to me there are people like that in the world. What a tragedy he was faced with and he made the choice to forgive. I'm sure that is why he's been able to move on with his life and not dwell on it. Great lesson.

Scott and Sara said...

What a great post. Thanks for sharing. I NEEDED to hear that more than you know.

Jessica and Tim said...

Apparently I needed a little cry. For me, losing members of my family is the hardest thing I would have to bear, especially losing Tim. I would like to think I'd choose forgiveness and I've decided to do so, whenever my time to choose comes.

Susana said...

I watched this a while back and it touched me so much in so many different ways.

I know what you mean about forgiveness and working on your heart. I think (or at least hope) we are all here at some time or another.

You are full of love Jenny, I know you are doing all that you should to work toward forgiveness:-).