The soul cannot forgive until it
is restored to wholeness and health.
In the absence of love - how can one forgive?
With an abundance of love, starting with one's self,
forgiveness becomes a viable opportunity. -Nancy Richards

At some point in each abuse survivors healing journey, rests the question of forgiveness.

Are there some abuses too atrocious to forgive? Is it possible or even healthy to forgive some one who has never asked to be forgiven; somebody who has never even acknowledged any wrongdoing and someone who continues to practice the same abusive behaviors?

Any of us who have heard the words, "You have to forgive" knows that this added burden can actually impede our recovery.

Sometimes it is necessary to set aside the notion of forgiving at least temporarily. This affords us the opportunity to validate our stories with sympathetic listeners, express our anger in appropriate ways, mourn for our losses, and to protect others and ourselves from re-injury.

Surprisingly, it is often the very process of not forgiving, of acknowledging the pain, and taking the steps to heal that can free the abused to forgive.

http://healandforgive.net/

http://healandforgive.blogspot.com/