Ah forgiveness....

In my group tonight we're starting the forgiveness chapter. So while I was preparing for that I came across this poem. Where was this a few years ago when I really needed it?

You say I must forgive

It's a Biblical Command-

So let's just take a moment

To fully understand

What forgiveness truly means,

And what it really doesn't

What the truth about it is,

And what it actually isn't

Forgiveness doesn't mean

I'm forced to hide the truth

Of my childlike innocence

Stolen in my youth.

Forgiveness isn't letting go

Because you think I should-

And it's not forgetting...

Because you hoped I would.

Forgiveness doesn't mean

I forget about my pain

So you won't have to look at yours...

And you'll be comfortable again!

Forgiveness doesn't mean

I deny what I feel...

That because you choose denial,

My feelings are not real!

Forgiveness does not mean

You've no consequence to pay...

What you did changed my life

In a most dramatic way!

Forgiveness doesn't mean

Your responsibility

Can be ignored by you

And forced to lie with me!

I've got a full-time job

Restoring peace within

From the chaos I've endured

Resulting from your sin.

Forgiveness does not mean

I have to hide what's true

To feed your denial

And keep protecting you.

The process of healing

Means I see...I feel...I talk-

The freer I become

The stronger I can walk!