Thursday, June 16, 2011

Accept them, forgive them, let it go

Think your grudges are tiny enough not to matter? Think that because you're in the right and someone else is in the wrong that you're justified in withholding forgiveness?

"Many people have been asking me, 'What can I do for you? Please, I'll do anything.' Well, here's what you can do for me. Every single one of you: please, if there's anyone in your life who you haven't accepted, whom you haven't forgiven, or against whom you hold a grudge, please, accept them. Forgive them. Let go of the grudge. Love them. This is how you can help me, this is what you can do for me. This is how we can share Christ's love with the world."
A wise, strong woman uttered these words (paraphrased) today at the podium in a Cathedral. She was standing next to her eldest son, looking out onto a sea of family and friends, pleading with them to show and share true Love.

She wanted all of us in the congregation to release the grip that the devil often places on us.

This is how we could help her, she said...

...on this the day of her teenage son's funeral.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is so touching ...
What a strong woman.

Anonymous said...

Wow. What a powerful witness.

Anthony S. Layne said...

Thanks for sharing this, Elizabeth.

Christine Falk Dalessio said...

beautifully profound. Now to actually "do" it... thank you for sharing the gift of this challenge.

Anonymous said...

As a witness to this powerful message, I would like to add that before she put out the challenge, she expressed forcefully just how many people had "offered to help", "offered to do anything", insisting that "there is nothing you can ask for that I won't do."

She mentioned how great these promises made her feel.

Then she hit us with that challenge, and commented "I know that you'll do it . . . b/c you promised me that there is nothing you won't do for me."

Go With God . . .

Anonymous said...

Powerful.

Thank you for sharing that.

Marc Cardaronella said...

Great reminder. Thanks for sharing that!

Louise said...

Wow, thank you for sharing this! What a beautiful and powerful story (and message).

Mary @ A Simple Twist Of Faith said...

And that's what it is all about, how many times should I forgive? 7 X 70...I am actually struggling with this now with a person who is important in the life of a family member...thanks for the reminder.

Post a Comment

Considering commenting? Indulge the urge!

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...

Recommended