Let The Past Be Past
Is it difficult for you to forgive? To let the past be past? It
is for me. Nearly impossible sometimes. I'm a little like the
elderly Virginian woman who lived to see her beloved Richmond
occupied by Union troops after the American Civil War. The matron
was walking down a Richmond street when she tripped over a step and
fell. A Union soldier courteously helped her up.
"How very kind of you, young man," she said acidly. "If there is a
cool spot in hell, I hope you get it."
Maybe it was still a bit early for her to let go of those deep-
seated resentments. But angry and bitter lives are never happy lives.
A beautiful legend tells of an African tribe that ritualizes
forgiveness. When a tribe member acts irresponsibly or unjustly,
he/she is taken to the center of the village. All work ceases and
every man, woman and child in the village gathers in a large circle
around the accused. Then the tribe bombards the rejected person with
affirmations! One at a time, friends and family enumerate all the
good the individual has done. Every incident, every experience that
can be recalled with some detail and accuracy is recounted. All
their positive attributes, strengths and kindnesses are recited
carefully and at length. Finally, the tribal circle is broken, a
joyous celebration takes place, and the outcast is welcomed back
into the tribe.
What a beautiful ritual of restoration! They replace hurt with
happiness; pain with peace. Once again they are family. The rejected
one is restored and the village is made whole.
Paul Boese has said, "Forgiveness does not change the past, but it
does enlarge the future." As brothers and sisters in our global
village, is letting go of those resentments really an option?
~ Steve Goodier ~
[ by: Steve Goodier Copyright © 2004 (LifeSupport@yahoogroups.com) -- {used with permission} ]
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