30 Days of Forgiveness Challenge

“Without forgiveness, we remain tethered to the person who harmed us... Until we can forgive the person who harmed us, they will hold the keys to our happiness, they will be our jailor.”

Desmond & Mpho Tutu

Today I signed up for the Tutu 30 Global Forgiveness Challenge. Most, if not all of us struggle with forgiveness from time to time in life. I would like to think and believe that I am a forgiving person. However, there have been times in my life when it was not easy to forgive. I've learned that only by the grace of God go you and go I. Forgiveness is first and foremost a gift from God through Jesus. Only from the power of this gift can we proceed down the road of forgiveness. So I am accepting this challenge from the Tutus. How about you? 

Nelson Mandela Tribute Video

One Canadian journalist whom I respect, Brian Stewart, has written and presented a documentary on Nelson Mandela-check it out at the CBC website here. Stewart gives us the realistic picture of South Africa's first black, iconic President. There is no question that the world has lost a gifted leader, whose legacy shall live on in the hearts, minds and lives of human beings from every corner of the globe.  I think the most significant contribution that Nelson Mandela made was that of being able to forgive and initiate reconciliation with his enemies of the Apartheid regime. On one of his visits to the United States, he had this to say to Vermont's senator, Patrick Leahy: "Patrick, because of my imprisonment I was able to lead my country out of apartheid. For that I do not feel bitterness, but joy." I think that quote epitomises the high moral-ethical, and spiritual nature of the man. Rest eternal grant Nelson Mandela, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him.

Quotes on forgiveness

The stupid neither forgive nor forget; the naïve forgive and forget; the wise forgive but do not forget. –Thomas S. Szasz

With Christ’s prayer of forgiveness from the cross the universal religion of revenge is overcome and the universal law of retaliation is annulled. –Jűrgen Moltmann

Forgiveness is the economy of the heart…Forgiveness saves expense of anger, the cost of hatred, and waste of spirits. –Hannah More

Forgiveness is choosing to love. It is the first skill of self-giving love. –Mohandas K. Gandhi

The idea is to rescue myself from the role of a victim. That I have a choice left. Though I can’t change what has happened, I can choose how to react. And I don’t want to spend the rest of my life being bitter and locked up. –Tori Amos