“The Book of Forgiving: The Four Fold Path”
(Photo taken from amazon.com)
I have really been processing forgiveness and the best way to move on from the hurt. It seems he feels he threw a rock in a pond and it dropped to the ground with little effect of hurting anyone around him. But the truth is there is a ripple effect of his choices that continues to hurt and reach out not only to my children and myself but those around us in family, friends and associations. I believe even into the generations to come.
In the past, one of my greatest fears has been to be in a situation that I, as an adult and a mother, would be unable to protect my children because of a forced situation like what happens in war. Yet here we are where my kids are hurting because of choices someone else made. And what hurts them is it is their dads choices and what is overwhelmingly difficult for me is I couldn’t and can’t protect them from it either.
My therapist recommended “The Book of Forgiving” and it has really resonated with me for several reasons. No doubt the betrayal that my children and I have been through is difficult but I can’t even imagine the emotions of being involved in an apartheid. I respect that instead of revenge the people chose to tread the difficult path of confession, forgiveness, and reconciliation. I will be touching on the the Four Fold Path as it applies to my own situation. There is so much hurt that we all go through on our own journey in life.
I know it is said often that God won’t give us more than we can handle but I don’t know if I believe this phrase. I know we have free agency and are often are hurt by the choices of others and I don’t believe God gave the consequences to us because He thought we would be strong enough. Instead I know He gives us strength to endure what happens to us and that through the Atonement we can forgive others and be whole. A difficult ongoing process but absolutely possible. God can’t prevent others choices but He has provided a way for us the heal and be strengthened through Him. And for me that now lacks trust in myself, my judgement and other people, I know I can always trust in God. And that gift to me right now is some of the greatest knowledge I have.
