Forgiveness is the elixir that heals broken hearts. Forgiveness is a loving force that soothes what appears impossible to comfort. Forgiveness mends what seems to be irreparably broken. Forgiveness is a gift. When opened it releases us from the conditions we place on receiving and extending love to ourselves and others. In the miraculous moment when we accept the gift of forgiveness we are released from our judgments and set free to love.

Forgiveness has the power to help people who:

• Have past hurts that are keeping them from feeling joy in life
• Have regrets or anger that they can't move past
• Sometimes feel paralyzed or afraid of making mistakes
• Are afraid of getting hurt again

If your heart is hurting, if you feel trapped in anger or indecision, if you have regrets that have paralyzed you, if you are looking for the freedom to create a life full of love and joy the healing power of forgiveness may be for you!

First and most importantly forgiveness creates a space of unconditional acceptance. From this safe place we can acknowledge the fact that something happened that has hurt us very deeply.

Secondly, in a supportive manner, forgiveness allows us to express the range of feelings about the situation, ourselves, or other people responsible for the situation.

Thirdly, forgiveness provides the courage to speak about our wound. Giving voice to the reality of our experience honors the part of us that was so deeply offended and allows the love of another to witness our brokenness. From this place of honor we are now able to acknowledge any pain we might have inflicted on another. In that holy interchange, shame loses its power to keep us prisoner in the fortress of our own guilt.

Fourthly, the door to freedom opens and we can walk through it because we are willing to let go of the situation that held us in bondage. As we begin to experience life from this new perspective we understand the gift of forgiveness. It gives us the freedom to love.