It’s time for another weekend word and I though this week we’d tackle forgiveness. It’s a powerful word, and its use or nonuse can make a huge impact on our lives.
for·give·ness
ˌfərˈɡivnəs/
noun
- the action or process of forgiving or being forgiven
Oftentimes we find ourselves at the crossroad of forgiveness; a time in our life where we have an opportunity to choose whether or not to forgive someone, or perhaps ourselves, for transgressions and wrongdoings. Many may choose to “forgive and forget,” but sometimes that’s not always possible. Sometimes we have to pick one; and neither is an easy task.
So which do you pick – forgive or forget?
For our kids, their journey starts with forgiveness. While living as orphans on the streets they have had to do some unthinkable, possibly immoral and illegal things just to survive. Some may have had to steal or were forced into prostitution; others may have been recruited by the rebel army at a young age and forced to murder. Having lack of family support and a means to take care of themselves, they are forced into some of the worst situations just to attain basic life necessities and struggle to survive.
These experiences can really take a toll on one’s conscious – especially for children. They know there is a better way, but they don’t have the tools to get there. Not only is this frustrating, it leaves these children feeling heartbroken and demoralized. Their battles are not just physical; they’re mental too. And while we can take every measure to provide them with a better life, a way of achieving a good education, an opportunity to change their lives for the better forever, forgiveness has to start within themselves.
Our students journey to a better life starts at the crossroads of forgive and forget. And while they can never forget the life that they came from, they have an incredible ability to work towards forgiving themselves and start working towards building a brighter, better future.
“The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.” – Mahatma Gandhi
So the next time you’re at the crossroad of forgive & forget – which will you choose?
Many blessing for a bright future,
Cristen
