Letting Go, a poem

 

This is my "best seller" poem in my etsy shop.  I believe it sells the most because we all have a need to forgive, but we don't always act on it right away.  We all want to let go of hurt and pain, so why don't we?

Letting go of excess baggage feels good.  Feeling lighter feels good.  All of us who have ever lost weight know this to be true!  

Just like in the physical realm of losing weight, emotionally, spiritually, and mentally lightening up feels good, too.  Things are as they should be.

You holding onto a hurt, grudge, and the like, is hurting you and those around you.  I include those around you because they sense your discomfort.  It shows in a sarcastic barb that comes out of your mouth, in being short-tempered, in an overall vibe of dis-ease.

We are at ease in ourselves when we forgive.  We are light.

So why don't we do it consistently?  Some of us do, perhaps.  We are the rare ones.  I wish it weren't so rare.

Holding a grudge shrinks us.  It is petty and small and it ranks us among the common.  Common because the majority of people, Christians included, sadly, are hangers-on-ers.  Hanging on to pride, being "right," playing jury and judge, everything we are not supposed to do as followers of Christ.

Do yourself a favor, as well as doing those around you a favor: let it go, child.  Just do it.

Even as I write these words, I sigh with relief.  Say it out loud, if it helps!  "I let it go. I choose to forgive."  Talk about a great weight loss program!  It's the ultimate!  

Here you go...download a copy, print it, frame it (or not), hang it up where you see it every day.  Letting Go poem

So simple.  So trusting.  So beautiful.  This is one area where we could stand to be more childlike - remember when you were a kid and you were hurt?  You forgave them quickly and said, "Wanna be friends?"  Then you went right on playing and having fun!  So sweet, pure, and innocent.  We can learn from our younger selves in this regard.

Let go.  You'll be glad you did.

Dear Lord, You forgive us readily, quickly, and every time we come to You needing forgiveness.  Please empower us to do likewise with others.  You also forgave us once and for all on the cross.  We hurt You, Lord, every time we sin.  Yet You always forgive.  You are our great Example in this, too.  Help us follow You in this.  In Jesus' Name.  Amen.