As we celebrate Easter, I am reminded of the power of forgiveness and how it can transform our lives.
Recently, I was wrestling with letting go of some anger and hurt I was carrying in my heart, and it made forgiveness seem almost impossible. It was during this time that I stumbled upon “The Book of Forgiving” by Desmond Tutu and Mpho Tutu. In its pages, I found a forgiveness exercise: carry a rock to symbolize the weight of the emotional baggage you are carrying. It was an interesting notion, and I decided to put the exercise into action. For several days, I embraced the exercise wholeheartedly, I clutched onto a hefty rock, embodying the emotional weight I carried, only setting it down when necessary.
It was burdensome to carry it with me all the time. Carrying emotional baggage is very much the same; it weighs us down and prevents us from moving forward freely in life.
Even though someone may have wronged us, it is ultimately our responsibility to unburden ourselves from the weight of that hurt, and embrace the path to healing through forgiveness.
Letting go of the emotions that no longer serve us is the first step towards healing. Although I am still learning the art of forgiveness, I know that it's a journey that requires patience and time. There are moments when past wounds resurface; however, I believe that forgiveness is a practice that requires repeatedly letting go, but it's a worthwhile process.
Easter reminds us of hope, forgiveness, and rebirth. It's a time to release our resentments and bloom into our true selves. It reminds us that love, hope, and rebirth are always possible, and forgiveness is a powerful tool for healing and growth.