Tap into the power of the Divine. Learn how to forgive-and be forgiven.
Everyone knows that forgiveness is a virtue and a key to emotional, spiritual and even physical well-being. But learning how to actually forgive-or to accept forgiveness, as the case may be-is a sacred art few of us have mastered.
It doesn't have to be that way. Writing from personal experience and her broad knowledge of many faith traditions, Marcia Ford offers a new perspective on forgiveness and reconciliation, an approach rooted in the Spirit that can be learned by anyone no matter how deep the hurt. Through real-life examples, penetrating reflections, scriptural references and practical suggestions, Ford outlines the steps that one by one can help you to forgive, including:
- Coming to terms with anger, bitterness and resentment
- Understanding the differences between forgiveness and reconciliation
- Taking the initiative, even when you're the one who's been wronged
- Strategies for listening "with the heart" in emotionally charged situations
- Knowing when to forgive and forget-and when to forgive and take action
- Ways of allowing the power of the Divine to work through you
- Finding compassion for others-and for yourself
- ? and much more
In this thoughtfully organized book, readers are encouraged through a step-by-step process to approach forgiveness and reconciliation, including how to handle situations when people don?t want to forgive or reconcile. The author provides practical steps, prayers, and meditations in each of the forty chapters to help readers approach forgiveness directly in their lives, along with examples drawn from real life struggles and appropriate quotes from Hebrew and Christian scripture and spiritual teachers of all traditions.
"Worth a hundred other books on prayer and spirituality. Do we want to experience God? There is no better way to start than by forgiving the friend or relative who has hurt us."
-Robert Ellsberg, author of The Saints' Guide to Happiness
"I thought I knew everything there was to know about forgiveness, until I read this book."
-Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, editor of Yom Kippur Readings: Inspiration, Information and Contemplation and Rosh Hashanah Readings: Inspiration, Information and Contemplation
"I dare a person to finish this book without reflecting on someone due-or overdue-forgiveness. With poignant personal and spiritual examples, Ford guides readers on the path to make this closure happen."
-Carol Fitzgerald, founder, faithfulreader.com
"A gentle and wise reminder to forgive where you can, and an accessible guide to help when you can't."
-Frederic Luskin, PhD, director, Stanford Forgiveness Project, and author of Forgive for Good
"With wit, clarity and candor, Marcia Ford unravels the knots and tangles of complex subjects [with] insights often gained from personal experience.... Affirming and humbling ... evokes a welcome sense of relief, gratitude and hope."
-Palmer Jones, director, explorefaith.org
