Forgiving Those We Admire Who Say Hurtful Things

We can all look back with disdain at some childhood memories when an adult we really trusted and looked up to verbally "wronged us."  No doubt there are some acts that may truly be so awful they hold us back for the rest of our lives.  I am not referring to those acts in this blog.  On the contrary, I am referring to those words that may have hurt us and stayed with us into adulthood.  The time the teacher told us that "we were probably never going to reach our potential."  Or, the time our parent was so angry they told us we were "lazy" or "not going anywhere."  Maybe a coach criticized us too harshly in the heat of the moment and we held onto it.  If we allow it, these cruel words can take root in us and affect us years later. 

That's why it's so important to take these statements and turn them around to our benefit.  The only way I know how to do that is to take the bruising words under the following life context:  All people make the best decisions at the time the make them with the information and background knowledge they have.  Our parents and teachers usually do the best they know how...and yes, they make mistakes. 

The only successful response to these phrases is simply one word--FORGIVENESS.  We forgive because it sets us free to move forward and let go of the hurt.  We forgive because it teaches us that all humans are imperfect.  We forgive because it ignites others to do the same for us.  We forgive because it unburdens those who harmed us...and more importantly unburdens ourselves. 

Think of someone who may have verbally hurt you as a youth and ask yourself if you have truly forgiven him or her.  If you have not yet done so, take the step to forgive today

and walk around a little lighter tomorrow.