Forgiving but Not Forgetting: Reclaiming Myself After Trauma
Forgiveness is often misunderstood. People think it means erasing the past, condoning harm, or reconciling with those who have hurt us. But forgiveness, as I have learned, is none of those things. It is a gift we give ourselves—a way to free our hearts from bitterness while still honoring the pain we have endured. For a long time, I wrestled with the idea of forgiveness. After experiencing something that shattered my sense of safety and self-worth, I wondered if I even owed forgiveness to anyone. The world seemed to push the idea that forgiving meant making peace with what happened, but how could I do that when my wounds were still raw? The truth is, I didn’t have to. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. In fact, forgetting would be a disservice to the strength I have gained. My past is part of me, but it does not define me. I have come to understand that forgiving is about releasing the power the past holds over me. It means choosing not to carry the weight of resentment, because I d...
