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Ever notice how the world is teeming with grudge? Clogged with bitterness? Well, the heavy emotional baggage that weighs us down and keeps us from moving forward has got to go, people. As it happens, today is Global Forgiveness Day so might as well ask yourself: "Is there someone I still haven't forgiven?" Taking steps toward that unthinkable line may be the kindest thing you do for yourself all year.
This tradition of forgiveness began in 1994 with a simple downtown banner in Victoria, British Columbia proclaiming July 7th as "National Forgiveness Day." As the tradition took hold and began to spread, it became evident that the act of forgiveness need not be confined to one nation. One planet? Yes, that seemed more fitting….so the tradition was renamed "Global Forgiveness Day" and here we are.
In fact, cross-border forgiveness would do some phenomenal good. (Two words: Middle. East.) Occasionally, a country will issue an official apology to an oppressed group, usually decades after the affront. (I'm thinking specifically of the Japanese-American internment.) Often, this is often the first step - though not a necessary one - towards forgiveness.
I'm not saying that forgiveness is easy. There are plenty of situations that I can't even imagine extending forgiveness, especially if a person had harmed someone that I love. For example, a childhood friend who grew up to be a druggie loser, stole from my mother, a woman who had cared for him as a child. Although karma caught up with him and he is now a paralyzed semi-vegetable, I still fantasize about taking a hammer to his head. Okay, maybe just yelling expletives at his stupid fat face might do but forgiving him…? Not there yet.
But to honor the day, I'm finally forgiving Michael Vick for all that dogfighting idiocy. I have read interviews, watched him in broadcasts and ultimately believe that he finally grasps the darkness of his deeds. Since his 2007 convictions, he has done more to end dogfighting than he did to encourage it, even working with Wayne Pacelle, the dogmatic (!) president of the Humane Society of the United States. I like to think his public speaking to youth groups on the issue will continue but time will tell. Either way, I'm moving on.
We are mere human beings, often held captive by our own ego, base desires and blind ambitions. In short, we fuck up. Plus, we arrive alone and we leave alone and those connections in between are all we have.
Holding back forgiveness means we remain chained to the past - a hurtful word, an unfair situation or a personal transgression, real or imagined. Does it matter? Truth is, the past is over and tomorrow is just an idea. Today is all we have. So, how do you want to spend it? With a heavy heart?
As for the ultimate example of forgiveness, I think about Mary Johnson, who ultimately forgave - and befriended - Oshea Israel after he killed Johnson's only son. (Listen to them discuss their amazing relationship here. Keep tissue handy.) Their unlikely journey demonstrates the incredible depth and breadth of the human heart, which, at its best, also has no borders.
~Heather Clisby
BlogHer Contributing Editor, Animal & Wildlife Concerns; Section Editor, LIFE; Proprietor, ClizBiz
