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How to Forgive and Let Go in Five Steps
When I was a child, the rule was that if someone apologized for taking your toy or pulling your hair, you had to forgive them. And generally, the ability to forgive comes easily at five years old or perhaps being easily distracted serves the same purpose. I had unfortunate friends at age five, ones who delighted in teasing me or ditching me on the playground. Every time they came back, needing a third at jump rope or hide and seek, I forgave all. I was more relieved at not being alone than angry at being mistreated. This pattern reasserted itself as I got older. Forgiving small childhood slights barely prepares…
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Child Abuse: How God Healed a Tragic Story
Abuse has effects that can take years to heal if they ever do. I know that for, me, healing from abuse has taken quite a journey of searching. And so I have a confession to make. Good stories make me weep. At the movies, I am a crier. My healing journey from abuse has made me susceptible to emotions of all kinds. My kids like to watch me watch a movie. They nudge their elbow into each other’s sides and nod their heads in my direction the moment a tear starts to slip down my cheek. I hold off as long as I can, but I don’t go into a…
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The Wait of Glory: Mindfulness and the Mind of Christ
The men in my family lose their ability to wait in line at the age of forty-five. I remember my grandfather, as we were getting ready to go to Disney World, almost losing his nerve and bickering with my grandmother. “The lines, Mary Alice,” he said in urgent tones, “Think of the lines!” Later, my father came to visit me in Kentucky. At what was supposed to be a quick trip to the grocery store, we waited at the meat counter for the lady to slice pastrami. But we were in Kentucky and in Kentucky, a trip to the grocery store is a chance to become acquainted. At length. Twenty…
Healing Through Art & Words
