Taming the Beast

This is an article/prose-ish type piece I wrote for the November newsletter for Rape Is Never Justified (RNJ). Check the full newsletter at www.rapeisneverjustified.org

 Forgiveness: Taming the Beast

 

Forgive – to renounce anger or resentment against; to excuse for a fault or an offense; pardon

 

“To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.”

          ~ Lewis B. Smedes

For the majority of my life, I thought forgiveness was only about pardoning someone for their actions. While many still carry that definition, there is another definition. A more profound face to this beast.

A beast I desperately seek to tame.

 

By withholding forgiveness we clad ourselves in chains. Chains which keep us face-down on the ground, unable to enjoy the true beauty of life. We hold ourselves captive, seemingly with no way out. We don't realize the chains carry no lock and need to key.

 

“Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.” ~ Paul Boese

“Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.” ~ Harriet Nelson

By forgiving someone, you release yourself from the self-imposed chains. You take control of the beast, rather than letting the beast control you. Leaving the beast in control lets them win. They remain in the driver's seat of your life. Without forgiveness, we live our lives in an unending darkness, unable to see the light. The darkness becomes a poison. Every relationship we have is now tainted and rotting. The innocent die along with the guilty.

 

“He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” ~ George Herbert

What kind of hypocritical monsters are we that we cannot forgive yet expect others to forgive us? We're standing still in the middle of a two-way street, blocking all traffic. The horns blare and the driver's rage yet we stand, solid as stone. The cycle of resentment and retaliation must end. We are stronger than that. Our strength lies deep within, sometimes long forgotten. We must not only forgive others, but also ourselves. We must forgive ourselves for allowing others to take control. We must forgive ourselves for falling into such a desperate pit of night. Though the night is necessary to recuperate for the oncoming day, you do yourself a great injustice by lingering. Step into the new day with eager arms and embrace the light!

 

“Forgiving is love's toughest work, and love's biggest risk. If you twist it into something it was never meant to be, it can make you a doormat or an insufferable manipulator. Forgiving seems almost unnatural. Our sense of fairness tells us people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving is love's power to break nature's rule.” ~ Lewis B. Smedes

Forgiveness is not a toy. It is not to be taken lightly. While all should be forgiven, it is more than just a word, it is a journey. A journey which, sadly, we must travel alone. Though we may (on occasion) ask for directions, the responsibility is solely our own. I do not fear this as I know that once I reach my destination the jubilee will be that much sweeter! For some the journey is short and clear, while others must take a more trying and tumultuous route. Whatever path you are on, do not stray! Hold-fast and persevere! The lessons learned along the way are eternal. Throughout the journey you will rediscover and discover anew who you are. The true essence of you is never lost, merely set aside as you heal. Press on and travel swiftly!! I long for the day when I reach the end of my journey for I know I will be free. I will spread my wings and soar above. A freebird at long last. 

Reviews

[Hello, Goodbye]

Really different but in the right direction..

[Therene]

It's sorta messed up but I get your point. :D

I'm hoping for better works from you.