Anesthesia

Forgiveness. Out of all of the things the soul has experienced, forgiving those who have hurt you has to be the toughest. I don't know what it is about bitterness and pain, but it's so much more different than other matters of the heart. Probably because as humans we are programmed to trust, fall in love and be vulnerable. Even more so in a generation that is taught to hold unto grudges and plot vengeance. But what does it profit a man to hold unto pain? You hurt no one but yourself.

Here are some practical keys on your journey to forgiveness:
1. Confront the hurt. You can't heal from something you won't acknowledge. Pray, cry, scream, journal, sing...do what you need to do until it doesn't hurt anymore.

2. Know that it's a process. Some days will be easier than others, but work towards complete restoration. 

3. Be careful. Because you are cut wide open, you have the potential to infect others. Don't push people away but recognize who is strong enough to help carry your load. 

4. Don't be petty. If you said you let that shit go, let it go. Don't use your pain as leverage or emotional manipulation, you'll end up doing my damage in the long run. 

5. Figure out who you are again. You came out of the struggle a new person with new perspectives, ideas and thoughts...take time to get to know the new you and what this means for your future. 

Ultimately, the freedom that comes with letting go makes space in your heart to love more than the person who hurt you. You can demonstrate love  so much more now that your heart is no longer clouded with thoughts of malice and anger. Don't think you can do this on your own though, it takes the grace of God. He will show you an unconditional love and indescribable mercy that you know you have to walk in and share with others.  To forgive is to set a prisoner free and realize that prisoner was you. So no longer bash but bless, no longer hate but honour. No longer undermine but understand. I allowed God to perform surgery on my soul, so should you. The truth hurts but you don't have to.