Forgiveness is truly a gift–and a miracle
A recent post by my friend Shelle got me thinking about forgiveness. Shelle forgives easily, which for most would be a blessing. Far too many of us hold on to grudges, offenses, mistakes others have made that have affected us or perhaps our families in one way or another. But as Shelle mentioned in her post, sometimes this easiness to forgive leads people to take advantage of my beautiful, sweet, forgiving friend. That fact makes me want to grab a few dozen eggs and a case of Costco toilet paper…all for a very good cause, of course.
Though someone who forgives easily may find themselves used and abused at times, in my little world I like to think this kind of person leads a happier, healthier life—and we should all be blessed with a forgiving heart. I don’t hang on to grudges or hurt feelings for extended periods of time but I do hang on to them long enough to get a glimpse at what can happen if you don’t let go.
On Sunday our bishop showed us “Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light,” a video from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints’ Mormon Messages YouTube channel. It is about Chris Williams (pictured above), a Salt Lake City man whose wife and two children were killed by a teenage drunk driver in 2007. I have been anxious to share it with you since the moment I saw it. You’ll want to grab a Kleenex or two. In fact, grab an entire box. I am choking up just thinking about it. I may never be the same again. And I hope neither will you.
I haven’t been truly tried or tested to know just how much I am willing to forgive. (Honestly, I hope I never am.) Forgiveness such as this man has given seems nearly impossible yet the story speaks to my soul telling me this is the way it should be: complete forgiveness so hearts and lives can be mended. Chris Williams is an example of Christlike love in action. If he can forgive, what the heck are we waiting for?
Photo above from this LDS.org article
You can read more about the inspiration for this site 
He really is amazing. I sometimes wonder if it’s almost easier to forgive strangers or people on the peripheral of our lives, than it is to forgive family and people who are close to us.
Kristina P.´s deep thought ~ Insert Witty Title Here
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Thanks for sharing this Em! I know that truely touched my on Sunday…it’s great to have people in this world to remind us of how we all need to be, which is like our Savior.
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I finally watched this a few days ago. I always see these going around and I know I can’t watch them until I am prepared to bawl. This one was no exception, especially because I remember the story on the news so vividly. Thank you for sharing it with us!
Kim´s deep thought ~ New York- Part 2
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I love when you share your sweet gospel thoughts, Em! Thanks for making me ponder about this concept for a bit. Since I’m a preggo weepy mess anyways right now, though, I’m going to wait a bit to watch the video. ;)
Quinn´s deep thought ~ End-of-Pregnancy Survival Tips
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Oh man. I cried and cried when I first saw this. I watched it on a Sunday and I think I got more out of this short little piece than in all three hours of church that day. Wish I could be such a forgiving soul…gives us all something to work toward, right?
Tauni´s deep thought ~ Sunday Say-So- Labor Day
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