This Week's Quotation:
I will forgive and see this differently. These words give you power over all events that seem to have power over you. Shall we not learn to say these words when we have understood their power to release all minds from bondage? Today we overcome a thousand seeming obstacles to peace. To every apprehension, care, and form of suffering, repeat these words: I will forgive and see this differently.
A Course In Miracles, Lesson 193
Restoring Peace
Soul Care Facilitator
Many of us struggle with forgiveness. Why? Maybe because it asks us to do what feels impossible: release judgment. After all, judgment is a likely response when we lose sight of the true nature of reality. Oneness. When we remember, the blessing is that forgiveness releases us from the prison where the belief in separation keeps us confined.
Of course, it takes conscious practice to disentangle from judgment and arrive at forgiveness. Yet, as we awaken and see the delightful diversity in oneness, we begin to see the humor in and have compassion for, the mistakes humans make when we forget. Once remembering is restored, forgiveness is the natural response to initially perceived wrongs.
As we gain mastery at staying awake, more opportunities arise to use our experience to shine the light where the flow of divine love remains restricted. Additionally, (and the ego abhors hearing this!) the shifts in consciousness that make the real difference in our experience, happen when we fully allow ourselves to go through whatever distress arises. While challenging at first, it becomes easier with practice to forgive the discomforts, the hurt places, the ignorance, and all the habits of separation.
Most importantly, remember that in the name of love, nothing is impossible. We are all conduits of Source energy and the lens through which divine love is poured. What could possibly be more important to remember? The entire universe is predicated on love creating and evolving itself.
Cheers to that! Will you join me in inviting the peace and grace of forgiveness to dissolve all grievances? Let's welcome the flame of Holy Remembering to burn away all the discomforts born from forgetting that we are all in this together.
About Open Windows
We, the authors of this blog, dedicate it to the transparent exploration of the world's sacred scripture and enlightened spiritual thought. We believe that the original inspiration of all faiths comes from a common source, named and revered in a myriad of ways. With that understanding, the innumerable symbols, beliefs, and practices of faith cease to divide. They become open windows to a common reality that inspires and unifies us. We find deeper insight and nourishment in our own faith and from the expression of faith from others.
We hope these weekly quotations and meditations speak to your heart and soul.
Thanks so much, Terri. Yes, I have more work to do with forgiveness. Great to be part of the Course in Miracles in spirit this way. I love Uranda’s sharing that, although one may feel shame or self-judgment, the forgiveness of God is already extended. So great to feel that forgiveness is ALREADY there. Love, Tom
I will forgive and see this differently I love this phrase – I haven’t read the Course in Miracles in decades – used to teach it back in the 70s – I think it is time to read it again….
I remember the words of Jesus: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” As I observe the monstrous things that human beings do to each other on earth, can I still offer forgiveness? Evidently Jesus thinks so.