The Healing of Forgiveness
by Dave Mudford © 2022Forgiveness is living free,
Even though given at great cost,
Bringing healing inside of me,
Even though revenge is lost.
Forgiveness is moving forward,
Leaving behind my bitter prison,
For resentment only leads backward,
Leaving behind my ability to listen.
Forgiveness is not a feeling,
It's a choice to surrender hurts,
Embracing instead real healing,
It's a dismissal of just desserts.
Forgiveness is learning to receive,
Grace in all its beauty,
Not left in shame to grieve,
(For) Grace involves so much more than duty.
This poem was a finalist in the
January 2023 poetry contest
