Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. ~ Mark Twain
Many people struggle with forgiveness, I think that is because they believe if they give forgiveness to their abuser, they are giving their abuser a big thumbs up, as in, 'it was all okay what you did to me'. I believe forgiveness is completely different than that, it is accepting what has happened to you and no matter how much hate, anger, or bitterness you hold inside, your past can’t be changed. Yet, through forgiveness your future can be completely different.
That broken heart you are caring inside that is broken into so many pieces, I know you want it fixed and to become whole again. I know it hurts to keep your heart this way. I understand, another person caused your heart to be in this condition, so why would you ever want to give them your forgiveness? They don’t deserve it, you are right. What if I told you though, your forgiveness isn’t for them but for you? What if you releasing your hope that your past was different would set your future free. You can’t just stop being angry or remove the hatred you have for them instantaneously, but that can happen when forgiveness is present and activated in your life. Giving forgiveness does not excuse their behavior or allow it to appear that you are okay with what has happened to you, because frankly, you will never be okay with the action someone took while using your body for their pleasure. Their actions were wrong and one of the deepest and most painful ways a human can violate another human being. They took advantaged of your innocence and stole your childhood. It should never be downplay what done to you. It was awful and should never have been part of your life. The fact is, it did happen, he did sexually abuse you and it hurts. But today you can start the process to forgive, to except your past and to start letting go of the anger you harbor inside your heart. Forgiving is the greatest gift you will ever give yourself!
