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Here’s something tough for me to write…I suck at forgiveness. I can’t explain why that is because I’m not really sure myself. For whatever reason, I have always struggled with forgiving offenses. I might say I do, but truth be told, I’ve got a closet full of “forgive but not forgets.” Far too long, my theme song has been “I’m Not Ready To Make Nice” by the Dixie Chicks. If you think I’m kidding, it’s literally the second most played song on my iTunes catalog.

Look, I’ve got forgiveness issues okay….

This past weekend we arrived home late and found a gift in our mailbox. My friends at Merge PRΒ were kind enough to send me the latest CD by Matthew West called “Into The Light” to review. It’s been rocking my world and all week. You may have already heard two of the songs from the CD on radio (“Forgiveness” and “My Name Is”). As I’ve listened to the CD this week, I’ve been doing some research on what the songs were written for. The song “Forgiveness” and the story behind it have forced me to face my forgiveness issues face to face.

Take the time to watch this video. You’ll be glad you did.

What an incredible story of forgiveness. As a parent, I cannot imagine the strength and courage it must have taken for that mom to look the killer of her child in the eye and forgive him. I am struck by how selfless this act is and the example of grace she has extended. What I find even more incredible is how she set that man free. Her forgiveness has given him life. Incredible.

I can’t sit here and say that this video or a CD have changed my nature. What I can say is that I’m a work in progress. This story and so many like it show that forgiveness is an act that releases both the one that forgives and the one that is forgiven. I take Matthew Wests lyrics as a prayer for myself as well.

Show me how to love the unlovable

Show me how to reach the unreachable

Help me now to do the impossible

Forgiveness

-Matthew West.

Matthew West “Into The Light” is available at most music outlets.

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