Forgive or forget

Entering the fast approaching new year , we want to start it off on a positive note , leaving behind toxic energy and "old baggage's"; however when it comes on to someone who has broken your trust in them, disappointed you and has left you with the decision to forgive or forget, its always a delicate issue, that's not always the easiest thing to do.

Some people can forgive and see pass this right away while others take a much longer time. If someone has broken your trust though, how do you forgive without forgetting? Do you forgive and present that  person with the same opportunities that they once had knowing the previous effects? And one might toy with the question of "are we forgiving or are we just forgetting".  

The people that take a little longer to overcome their issues normally use that time to think, especially if the reason why there is the need for forgiveness is because that person is emotionally hurt or scared. Like any wound it would need to heal. They often weigh their minds to evaluate if that person is worth forgiving and if they deserve it.

Forgiveness depends on how badly the victim was impacted.  In other cases it just makes sense on a socially acceptable level to put it behind you and be the bigger person.  Being mindful of religion many see it as "not there call"and forgiveness is incessant in their lives without much thought , they simply believe that one should turn the other cheek. In my opinion turning the other cheek while the previous still burns, is not forgiving but rather 'forgetting'. 

 No doubt mistakes can happen, after all we are humans and its from those mistakes that we learn and seek guidance for new experiences. In the other person's shoe, until you have done something to someone that you are truly remorseful about and wish you could take back with every breath of your being, you will never appreciate the power of forgiveness. Neither would you appreciate the chance to redeem nor prove yourself worthy of this forgiveness, and if you are like most persons you would probably wish that the party affected would 'just forget about it'.  This brings us to the horizon where it seems you can forgive without forgetting, by simply having faith and replanting your trust also trusting that the past wont repeat itself.

Do not turn your cheek to be slapped again but turn it so the person can path it gentle with remorseful hands. Its a learning experience for both persons and a risk as well ; taking risk is a part of life and if we stop then we stop living and as we get older each year we realize that its not just saying effortlessly "I FORGIVE YOU", but its giving someone a second chance and an opportunity to right the wrong.

By: Shanteeca Reid