“The Gift of Forgiveness” by Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt is an inspiring book on the power of forgiveness and how it is much more a gift for yourself rather than those you forgive. It is a story about overcoming and about beginning again in the face of tragedy. It is about moving forward and letting go instead of being controlled by something or someone that has wronged you in the past.
Ms. Schwarzenegger’s nonfiction collection of the lessons learned by some of the most inspiring sources is very powerful. Some of the powerful people who share their stories include Elizabeth Smart, Sarah Klein, Immaculee Ilibagiza, Nadia Bolz-Weber, DeVon Franklin, Sue Klebold, Mark Kelly, Tanya Brown, Adel Altamimi and many others.
This is a quick read, but also a book to come back to time and time again as you face the challenges of this life. There is some important lessons about becoming whole in a place where brokenness abounds.
Poems for Warriors 
Sounds good…and yet, no matter how many books I read, how often I pray, “forgiving” feels like the mountain I can’t move (but just as I wrote this, God reminded me of the Bible passage where Zerubabel (sp?) is told to shout “Grace! Grace!” to his mountain…and it would be moved). It’s not that I don’t “want” to, and I get that it’s for my freedom and mental health–as much as to obey God–but it’s like static electricity…I think I’ve succeeded in dusting bitterness “gone”, and there it is again. It’s harder than getting on the treadmill, and that’s saying something! š Blessings to you as we head to another weekend, and Palm Sunday ā¤
LikeLiked by 2 people
There were lots of great examples of people who have gone through some hard stuff and learned to forgive. Forgiving is for your own wellbeing. š
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally get it, Jason–wish I had a magic wand to make it happen. My efforts are not bearing a crop of flourishing fruit.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Yeah, I know how you feel. Have you ever tried counseling or talk therapy?
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s been ages since I was in counseling–secular therapists didn’t get my faith-based needs, and “Christian” counselors just made me feel guilty…often suggesting I should just have grace for my offenders, consider that they’re broken too, etc. I’ll manage–God will continue to help me chip away at the issues.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hmm… that sounds difficult. I think it might take time to find someone who understands your needs and wants to meet you where you are at. I was fortunate that the person I have seen in the past was a great fit for me and where I was at in my faith.
LikeLike
You were fortunate indeed.
LikeLiked by 1 person