If you look at folks’ social media, you’d never even dream the topic of forgiveness is relevant. According to the images presented to the world, all families are happy and get along perfectly, marriages are full of date nights and hat-wearing, craft beer sipping, selfies. It’s okay, I get it (to a point). I am not a huge fan of that picture my grandbaby took of me last night in which I feel like I could be Shrek’s sister, and heaven forbid, that went straight to my newsfeed! I’d prefer to choose my better look before it gets shared or seen.

But, I’ll tell ya…I’m more than a bit concerned with our prettified world.

Instagram just kinda hits where this hurts to me as folks consider themselves *influencers* as they pose themselves just so as to matter to our eyes.

How real and honest are we prepared to be with each other, and if we’d prefer the facade, how do we ever expect to create meaningful relationships?

This is what I think of when I consider sharing with you on the topic of forgiveness and what it has meant in my life. It’s a biggie no matter how you slice it. It is just me that has these forgiveness issues to face and re-face? Have you all dealt with these things already and more easily than I? Do you not have squabbles and hurt feelings in your families that need deep healing and a bunch of LOVE poured generously over the top until drenched?

I wrote this piece called, For Heaven’s Sake Let it Go, (<— click the title to read it) in 2012. It includes a huge healing moment for me, and also tells a big piece at the beginning of the story of Christian and Alison. I find it relevant always, as we trudge through feelings and hurts in our family and lives. I hope you do as well.

Forgive, friends. There is healing on the other side.