Reconciliation

For those who know me well, they know that reconciliation is a common theme of my life and ministry.  Perhaps it is because I know only too well that if I had a penny for all the careless or hurtful comments I have made over the years, I would be a rich woman indeed! 

When I consider the idea of reconciliation, I am reminded of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission which brought together persecuted black South Africans with their caucasian persecutors. I also think of one of the most powerful books I have read on this subject, Left to Tell by Immaculee Ilibagiza, who wrote about her experience of the genocide in Rwanda.

For most of us, the issue of forgiveness is much less global.  Perhaps we are dealing with old family wounds or even simply what someone said to us this morning.  It is easy to get lost in the swirl of anger, hurt and resentment. The problem is that staying lost in that swirl often ruins a perfectly good day or even a life rich with possibilities. Letting go of hurts and offenses blesses us with freedom of the heart. It really is not about letting "the other", whoever that may be, off the hook. It is about not giving power to those have hurt us and that often includes those who have moved on from this world! Oh, the power of the dead!

When there is genuine reconciliation between two people, it makes space for a much deeper relationship.   If all of us could remember Jesus' words on the cross "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do" in times of hurt, we might be able to move out of those dark places with grace and ease.  Always easier to write about than to do but it is still a topic worthy of the pen!