27 DAYS OF GIVING THANKS: FORGIVENESS

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Yesterday was a day to give thanks for all that we have been blessed with and all that we have overcome. It was a day to share joy, love and blessings with family and friends. It was a day to open our hearts and give thanks for all things in all things. And I did just that. I stayed home with my husband and three children, my mother-in-law and two nieces and one nephew were in town visiting us. I did not have the opportunity to visit with my side of the family who lives here in Atlanta also, and I was just fine with that. They all came together with one another to enjoy the holiday, and for that I was thankful. My gathering was festive and filled with joy, food, love, and laughter. After eating ourselves crazy, we decorated the Christmas tree and the house in festive decorations. We played Christmas music all evening long as we decorated and enjoyed one another's company.

My mother called me in the evening after she had returned home and she was genuinely upset. She had a conversation with one of her sisters and felt offended by a statement my aunt made. Although I felt that I said all the right words to my mother to console her, I know that she was still hurt and that hurt me. I had to address my feelings within and come to a place that I must forgive my aunt for the actions she has taken and words she has spoken, not only against my mother but me also in the past.

Forgiveness is a powerful tool that we need to use more often. Without forgiveness we hold grudges creating mistrust, hurt, betrayal, and broken relationships. Forgiveness allows us to release the hurt and pain, it frees the other person from judgment, and begins the healing process in relationships. It frees us from our past and for the wrongs that we have done. It saves our souls and has allowed us to come into a relationship with our Creator. I am thankful for forgiveness because it allowed important relationships in my life to be reconciled, and it allows others to not condemn or judge me for my mistakes. I am thankful for being free to forgive others for hurt they have caused me and perceived wrongs they have done to me. Through careful communication and understanding we can overcome the hurt we create in others and that others create within us. But it all begins with the simple act of forgiveness.


JUST A PIECE OF THIS WRITER...
C. MICHELLE RAMSEY