This week will continue our series on Rooted with a focus on forgiveness.
Every family (even a church family) needs forgiveness. And forgiveness is often hard.
I remember the first time I was really hurt by the church. I asked if I could take part in something at the church. I was 10 years old and several of the boys in our neighborhood were involved so I volunteered too. But I quickly told I couldn’t help because I was a girl. I was confused, embarrassed and hurt. I cried and asked my Mother why being a girl mattered and I could tell she did not know what to say.
Being part of any family opens you up to hurt and disappointment as well as love and acceptance. When we are hurt we have to ask: what will I do with this pain I feel? Because what we do after the hurt occurs matters.
What is forgiveness? Forgiveness is not making excuses for the people. It is not pretending it didn’t hurt. It is not saying, “It was no big deal.”
Forgiveness is letting go of the pain. It was putting aside your desire to even the score. It is deciding that the misery you feel isn’t doing you any good and you are willing to give it to God.
Do you have someone or something you need to forgive? Join us this week at 9 and 10:30 and invite a friend – Rev. Nicole Reilley