Forgive

"You don't forgive without loving. And I don't mean sentimentally. I don't mean mush. I mean having enough courage to stand up and say, 'I forgive, I'm finished with it.'" – Maya Angelou

This powerful and courageous choice to forgive has been lifetime work for me. I am aware that I forgive fairly easily. I think I mean it. I think I am "finished with it" but I still am visited by memories and sadness. This must be the love that Maya Angelou speaks about.

I am aware that forgiveness is a gift I give myself. I am aware forgiveness is essential to my healing process. I still need to work on giving up my story on how I have been hurt. I need to let go and let God. For me letting go and letting God means moving to empathy and compassion. I can reflect on the person I perceived hurt me. I can spiritually and emotionally focus on empathy and compassion. When it is difficult to move to empathy and compassion, I can always choose to be kind.

Dear God, grant me the serenity to choose to be kind.