I remember a quote from childhood, “Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet on the heel of the one who stepped on it”. We are all God’s children and so important to see everyone in His/Her perfection, even if mortal mind would tempt us to see things differently, especially if we seem to be judged wrongly. Katherine, what you wrote, reminds me of a song, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”. Lovely.
I usually find it so much easier to forgive others than it is to forgive myself. I will find myself in a spiral of self-abusive criticism that I wouldn’t in a million years dream of thinking about or saying to someone else. I was talking with a friend about this and she shared a story of caustically berating herself out loud while alone in the car, only to discover that she hadn’t hung up after talking to her daughter, who heard her whole tirade against herself. The daughter could hardly believe it was her mom, who she knew would never think or speak that way about anyone else ever. So, the advice “Let it begin with me” also means to treat ourselves with the same lovingkindness that we would treat others. I still have to be alert to how I am treating myself, so the quote above is a good reminder for us about self care as well.
I was reminded of this quote which I’ve always loved:
“Forgiveness is the answer to the child’s dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is made clean again. ” Dag Hammarskjold
Thank you Evan, and all who have shared their experiences and insights.
I first read the Lewis Smedes quote in a Sentinel article. Here is the link for Spirit View-ers:
Thank you Shireen. I think your link might require a subscription to view, so below is another link to the same article for those that don’t have a subscription.
Am back from Wed meeting. Was a lovely reading and thanksgiving. As I understand Evan, today`s SpiritView is about forgiving ourself. This evening after the service I said something about the testimony of a member which is relatively new as a member. I should not have said that, it sounded like critizising, what I actually did not want. I felt guilty and accused myself about this. But, yes, I have to and can forgive myself on this, also because I never wanted to hurt that member instead love her. What a nice foto with such a loving face. Thank you Evan for this short but very comforting and helpful SV. And thank you all for your inspired comments, and thank you Brian giving us always the links so, that we can open the full text, also if we are not subscriber! 🙂
To forgive is to dismantle the structure of hate in your own thought, the supposititious consciousness of wrong doing.
We all have been given “the keys to the Kingdom of heaven within us.” Our promised freedom. Evan, thank you, as always, and fellow bloggers
Good one!
Simply beautiful! Thank you, Evan.
Yes, Josef. Simple and beautiful in implications for healing and the spread of Peace- inward and outward. Gratitude abounds…
I remember a quote from childhood, “Forgiveness is the fragrance of the violet on the heel of the one who stepped on it”. We are all God’s children and so important to see everyone in His/Her perfection, even if mortal mind would tempt us to see things differently, especially if we seem to be judged wrongly. Katherine, what you wrote, reminds me of a song, “Let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me”. Lovely.
I usually find it so much easier to forgive others than it is to forgive myself. I will find myself in a spiral of self-abusive criticism that I wouldn’t in a million years dream of thinking about or saying to someone else. I was talking with a friend about this and she shared a story of caustically berating herself out loud while alone in the car, only to discover that she hadn’t hung up after talking to her daughter, who heard her whole tirade against herself. The daughter could hardly believe it was her mom, who she knew would never think or speak that way about anyone else ever. So, the advice “Let it begin with me” also means to treat ourselves with the same lovingkindness that we would treat others. I still have to be alert to how I am treating myself, so the quote above is a good reminder for us about self care as well.
Thank you, Evan – and all…
I was reminded of this quote which I’ve always loved:
“Forgiveness is the answer to the child’s dream of a miracle by which what is broken is made whole again, what is soiled is made clean again. ” Dag Hammarskjold
Self-forgiveness
by Ginny Luedeman
(Sentinel, July 18, 2005)
No moments of failure,
when something is lost.
No foolish decisions,
when treasures were tossed.
I didn’t mess up,
and forget God is here.
I didn’t make choices,
that made good disappear.
I live in the care
and the love of God’s grace.
There’s no way I can move
to a lesser loved place.
My keeping is not
in the wisdom of man.
But always secure,
in God’s spiritual plan.
I forgive all my yesterday’s
visions, unclear.
And hear my God telling me,
“Child, you are dear.”
Lovely Lori! Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Evan, and all who have shared their experiences and insights.
I first read the Lewis Smedes quote in a Sentinel article. Here is the link for Spirit View-ers:
https://sentinel.christianscience.com/issues/2014/1/116-02-03/goodbye-self-righteousness-hello-forgiveness
Enjoy reading!
Thank you so much, Shireen, for sharing this. What a mighty testimony!
Thank you!
Thank you Shireen. I think your link might require a subscription to view, so below is another link to the same article for those that don’t have a subscription.
https://sentinel.christianscience.com/shared/view/1a3cra3zr98?s=e
Brian I am always so grateful to you for giving the links to articles mentioned. It’s so helpful. Thank you.
Am back from Wed meeting. Was a lovely reading and thanksgiving. As I understand Evan, today`s SpiritView is about forgiving ourself. This evening after the service I said something about the testimony of a member which is relatively new as a member. I should not have said that, it sounded like critizising, what I actually did not want. I felt guilty and accused myself about this. But, yes, I have to and can forgive myself on this, also because I never wanted to hurt that member instead love her. What a nice foto with such a loving face. Thank you Evan for this short but very comforting and helpful SV. And thank you all for your inspired comments, and thank you Brian giving us always the links so, that we can open the full text, also if we are not subscriber! 🙂