Forgiveness February – Not What I Expected
It’s not often that I sit down and feel I need to write but tonight is one of those nights.
On the first of this month, I wrote that I was going to take on a different kind of challenge, forgiveness. Forgiveness February is what I called it. I had a series of posts I thought I’d write discussing the topic of forgiveness.
To be honest, I forgot about it.
But God didn’t.
I’ve been in a pretty good place with relationships for the last few years. Sure there have been some bumps and a person or two who I decided it was best to distance myself from but overall things have been good in the relationships department.
Then a few days ago as this month neared its close, I got a simple Facebook message and friend request.
From someone who had hurt me. Deeply.
My first response was to hit delete, “not now”, or ever. Or throw my phone across the room.
For over five years, I have wanted to let her know how. much. she. hurt. me.
Then I remembered I had declared Forgiveness February in my little world.
I knew.
I knew in my heart God was asking me to let light shine into a tiny but dark crevice of my life.
I knew I was to finally, after 5 years, extend true forgiveness.
For twenty four hours I chewed on my thoughts. I read reread the message looking for cryptic signs of insincerity.
Then I replied to the message and accepted the virtual handshake.
Accepting a friend request isn’t a big deal but realizing I still held some resentment and letting it go was.
Accepting that friend request and replying to the message opened up a space to let peace trickle in.
Peace I had convinced myself I had but didn’t.
Yeah, it really was Forgiveness February.
Or perhaps I should of called it Freedom February because with forgiveness comes freedom.
Hugs and High Fives,
Jenn
Keep up with my kettlebell workouts, real food recipes, and more in one of three ways! 1. Sign up to have posts emailed to your inbox. 2. Subscribe to the RSS Feed or 3. “like” Girl Heroes on Facebook. Simple dimple!
Journey with our family on the road at Newschool Nomads as we travel fulltime in RV through the United States!
Pin It
This is my (almost) sane quest for insane health. Let's 
So sweet Jenn!! I love this. Forgive – sincerely forgiving – someone who has deeply hurt us, is one of the hardest things I think we can do. But it’s also one of the most rewarding, like you pointed out. Often I don’t realize how much the hurt is weighing me down by holding on to it and letting it go is so enlightening and lightening;) Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks Charlotte. So true about unforgiveness weighing us down. I think it’s true that often unforgiveness hurts us more than the person that we aren’t forgiving.
Great post, and Congrats! I started practicing forgiveness during Lent about 10 years ago. I chose one or two people who have hurt me, or that I feel hurt or anger towards and work at forgiving them. Like you mentioned, it has freed me of alot of pain and hurt. Sometimes it takes more than 40 days, but I keep at it til I make it. I have been on that list a couple of times too. I find forgiving myself the hardest of all.
I think that is a great proactive for Lent so much more rewarding (and deep) then say giving up candy (which I’ve done).Such a good point about forgiving ourselves. That can be so difficult.
So proud of you! I know how hard forgiving can be…thankfully Jesus forgives us and is patient with us, and He helps us do the same even for those who may not ever be sorry for the pain they’ve caused.
Thank you Meghan. Forgiving can be so hard and you’re right I’m so thankful as well for the work that was done on the cross.
Wow. This gave me shivers of joy and understanding. I’m so happy to know you. Thanks for sharing this. It’s amazing how we encounter things when we are ready for them. Forgiveness is freedom, for sure. And it’s also a gift… to yourself. HUGS! <3
Very good point about being a gift to ourselves. I’m so happy to know you as well. <3
super inspiring Jenn, I am going through something similar and while the person didn’t hurt me, I just didn’t want them in my life anymore. They have been trying to “get in touch” lately and some days I feel it takes more effort in your heart to keep them out then just extend an olive branch …
That’s a hard one and I think you are onto something about the olive branch. It’s hard when you decided some people bring too much negative energy or whatever into your life and you decided it’s time to move away from that relationship. Perhaps you can extend the olive branch and still keep the distance?
Forgiveness is a sign of wisdom and strength …..and you are a very wise and strong lady !!
Sometimes! 😉
I like your awareness and admire you for diving into forgiveness even when you really didn’t feel like it.
Thanks Jema!
hello!,I like your writing so much! percentage we
be in contact more about your post on AOL? I require a specialist on this space to solve my problem.
May be that is you! Taking a look forward to see you.
I couldn’t resist commenting. Very well written!