Did you know that August 27th is Global Forgiveness Day?
That’s a good Sunday Spirit subject to focus on since many faiths focus on its power.
The word itself makes many people squirm.
This particular global focus on it has roots in 1994 and encourages people to let go of guilt and grudges and practice the art of forgiveness.
Word has it that true forgiveness brings you peace.
It’s been said that refusing to grant forgiveness, including to yourself, is like drinking poison and expecting someone else to die.
Powerful image.
Some people argue strongly that there are wrongs that are simply unforgiveable.
I get that.
That’s for you to decide.
The question is, would letting go help set you free and improve your life?
In short, is there someone you need to forgive?
You’ll get another chance at the question on September 7th during National Forgiveness Day.
For what it’s worth, I have personally found that forgiving others has brought me inner peace, and I’ve had some big stuff to let go.
Some of it has seriously challenged my take on the value of forgiveness.
Chalk that up to hurt feelings, painful grief, and ego.
But now, I prefer to think of ways that I can use hurt or anger or mistrust or on-going grief to do something better with my life, something that might bring healing to others, too.
That empowers me and makes my life better.
Maybe forgiveness can do the same for you.
That’s your decision.
This day and others like it can help move the forgiveness conversation forward and get you thinking about whether or not it would make your own life better.
In short, stop drinking the poison.
That’s definitely worth thinking about.
Are you holding onto to grudges that are causing you more pain in your life?
Is the payoff worth it?