Resolving hurts and moving on is about the toughest thing we do. Here’s some inspiration for turning down the “me channel” and turning up the “God channel” when we’re wasting our time dwelling on the past.
- The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong. (Mahatma Gandhi)
- Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself. (Harriet Nelson)
- Forgiveness is a decision, but it’s also a process, because we often have to make the same decision to forgive over and over again….In his love for us, Jesus gave us a commandment to forgive. What He didn’t give us was a deadline. (Forgiveness: A Catholic Approach by R. Scott Hurd)
- If we could read the secret history of our enemies, we should find in each man’s life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility. (Henry Wadsworth Longfellow)
- We can pray for thicker skin, because we’re allowing others to upset us more than they should. (R. Scott Hurd)
- People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway. In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway! (Mother Teresa)
- When we forgive others there is a freedom where we are no longer shackled by our own anger. It moves us from our selfish illusions to a beautiful reality. It is hard work. But letting go of the fantasies that we can change the past, that we can change others, or even that we are the ones who can change ourselves opens room for God to help us ward off the resentment we feel. Each time we forgive, it paves the way for the next time we need to forgive. Practicing courage and patience and letting the Lord into the process of forgiveness becomes like exercising a muscle, it grows stronger and stronger. Together with Him we can come to a point where forgiveness is intuitive, a blessed way to live! (Rev. Charles Blair at newchurch.org)
Or my favorite, “Carrying a resentment is like giving someone free rent in your head.” So let’s claim our liberty and kick the freeloaders out!
Rose
Max
I enjoy reading your blog. thank you Rose.