Archive for February, 2012
Is the saying “Forgive and forget” true? Do we forget when we forgive?
“Forgive and forget” is such a common expression. It actually was the title to Lewis Smedes’ 1984 book. He, by the way, was not thrilled with that title. The publisher chose the title, as I understand it.
When we forgive someone for a considerable injustice, we do not develop a kind of moral amnesia, somehow blotting out the memory of our deepest wounds. No, we instead recall the deep hurts against us, lest they happen again. Instead of forgetting, I think we remember in new ways. We look back and instead of seeing an evil person who hurt us, we see a wounded person. Instead of seeing ourselves as crushed by the event, we see ourselves as having grown stronger because of it. We remember with a greater gentleness, more compassion, even more love.
The Healing Power of Forgiveness
Rev. Michael Barry, the director of pastoral care at the Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Philadelphia, says unforgiveness is considered a disease which can affect your health, especially if you’re fighting a long term illness. Once you forgive, Barry adds, you release your burden of hatred and only then can your healing begin. Watch the video.
Forgiveness is the best revenge
National Random Acts of Kindness week, kicked off by Valentine’s Day, has everyone smiling, opening doors and handing out hugs and chocolates. Want to join in and do something kind? Try forgiving someone who has hurt you. Not only will you feel better, your health will benefit as well.
Forgiveness lived, forgiveness shared
The Bruderhof, a Christian community founded in the 1920s in the Anabaptist tradition, focuses on living the life of the early Christians and engages in many concrete initiatives that aim to infuse the Christian message into today???s society. One of their main forms of outreach involves bringing a message of forgiveness and reconciliation to thousands of youth in the U.S. each year and collaborating with various international organizations who share their passion for peace.
A Jewish Hockey Player at History’s Indelible Crossroad
The New York Times. Very few Jewish athletes have played on German teams since World War II.??Read about hockey player, Evan Kaufmann, and his struggle beyond the game as he finds himself an American Jewish athlete transplanted to the country where his grandparents were killed. Forgiveness is a theme that is part of his experience as he and his wife make their adjustments.
