Forgiveness is considered a dirty word by many who were severely traumatized as children. I can understand this thinking, as to bring up forgiveness regarding the past conjures images of letting go of the all too real anger and hurt caused by the actions of people whom we should have been able to count on for the mental and physical well-being that harmed us horribly.
Whenever I have approached the subject of forgiveness on my blog, I have been met many times with emails and comments of angry and negative folks who think I am belittling their traumatic childhood experiences.
But, what does forgiveness mean to me?
How did I turn loose the anger and resentment from my past?
What have been the benefits I have received from forgiving?
I’m going to tackle these three hard questions to the best of my ability using my own life experiences as a guide.
Just remember, please don’t shoot the messenger.
What Does Forgiveness Mean to Me?
Let me begin with what forgiveness is not. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting what happened or giving an excuse to those…
