I think it’s about…forgiveness
Don Henley - The Heart of the Matter
Hello friend!
Our most sacred national holiday is upon us, and with it, what seems like a new level of virulent partisanship appears to be in the air.
It seems like every post on my feed is related to the recent Supreme Court decision concerning presidential immunity. This on the heels of so many other controversial actions, as well as the debate over the physical and mental fitness of the President himself.
And so, after reading this excellent post from my friend,
, I thought that it was a fitting time for a dialogue on forgiveness.It’s the easiest thing in the world to find guilt in another and blame them and their actions and beliefs for everything from our own unhappiness to the downfall of civilization as we know it.
But when we do so we only damage ourselves. We only bring ourselves farther away from The Father. Farther away from knowing unity.
No, we don’t have to like what the “other side” does.
But we do have to forgive.
We don’t have to stop taking action toward promoting peace and freedom for all. We can, and we should do all that we can to further the causes of justice and equality.
But we should know this:
None are free until all are free.
And forgiveness is the way.
On Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the key to happiness
the answer to the search
brings sense to the senseless
in forgiving lies your safety
an end to uncertainty and doubt
is found along the well-lit path
when you take that higher route.
none but fear can live
in an unforgiving mind.
confused, afraid,
plagued by thoughts unkind.
Danger and damnation
eternally present
the reality of sin that breeds resentment.
Wants escape, but stays imprisoned
wants to live but wishes for death
thinks it knows, certain in its rightness
that guilt extends until the last breath.
Through Him forgive the self you made,
and it disappears into that fearful shade.
Each unforgiving mind presents an opportunity
To learn through you - salvation, unity
Take the key, follow the path
that leads the way to heaven’s gate.
The door is opened unto you
when mind is turned away from spite.
find a light, a spot of brightness
extend until it covers in radiant hue
friend or foe - forgive them all
and the teaching thus extends to you.
Awaken from this dream you’re in
that you are mortal, fallible, and full of sin.
All will learn this essential lesson
when enemy and friend unite in perfect blessing.
Friend or Enemy?
My friend,
My enemy,
the distinction is meaningless.
Word language cannot interpret the language of the heart.
Cannot convey the infinite depth of the soul,
Of the being we share.
What you have done...
matters not.
who you have hurt…
matters not.
The actor plays his part as written,
for good or for ill,
and the playwright is the party to acknowledge.
I am the playwright.
The director of this divine comedy.
The producer of the pernicious plot.
Why should I find fault in my own pen?
Each role is divinely ordained,
given to each by infinite wisdom.
and you play it perfectly.
You are my salvation
You are my path to peace.
My road to redemption.
Godspeed my friend.
go with love
go with grace
I will greet you warmly-
on the other side.
The worst man in the world, the worst one you can think of…
, maybe “The Donald”…
, maybe the one in Russia …
, a warlord in far-off Africa…
or the one in Korea.
He is no more than an enemy than your greatest friend, and no less a friend than that same one.
He is your opportunity - to forgive, to see love, to see the unity in all.
In him, lies your forgiveness, your salvation, your eternal joy and happiness.
See them now.
Blessings and peace to you, my friend!
With all my Love,
Aaron
Forgive and forget.