This I believe

Yesterday I listened to a very powerful and moving "This I Believe" from NPR. It was about forgiveness. It made me think about all the real and perceived hurts that I'm holding on to, which really binds up the spirit. It's as though my soul is wrapped in barbed wire and a step in any direction causes intense pain. So I stand very, very still, going nowhere. Now I'm not suggesting that any of us remain in abusive situations or continue our own destructive behavior. But what I believe is that we have to let go of the resentments, the hatred, the vengeful spirit, and the self-loathing that keep us bound. Holding on to them only gives them power.

Do you know the story of the young Indian who was harboring these very things against another? He goes to his grandfather to complain of the injustices being perpetuated upon him. "Grandson," the old man said, "There are two wolves inside me. They struggle with each other. One struggles to divide, devour, ravage, to hurt and even to kill. The other struggles to love, give life, nurture and build." The young boy looked at his grandfather and asked, "Which one will win, Grandfather?" "The one I feed," the grandfather replied.

JRB