| Survivors of child abuse have a tough time on the | | | | feeling responsible for what they did." "Forgive my |
| issue of forgiving. Forgiveness is a process. The | | | | confusion in the use of my gifts as I forgive others |
| decisions and insights on forgiving come incrementally. | | | | who are also confused." " |
| I learned how to set limits and care for myself. I | | | | 3. Forgiving yourself is to let go of ongoing feelings |
| came to sense God's love and comfort, and to know | | | | of guilt, anger, and fear. "Release me from terror as |
| that I am a child of God. | | | | you reveal for healing the murderous rage of my |
| 1. Forgiveness brings healing. I see that abuse affects | | | | ancestors." "Forgive me in reaching for food that |
| all aspects of my life. I ask for healing in varying | | | | hides my needs as I forgive myself for losing sight of |
| forms. "As I recognize the truth of my relationships, | | | | you." "Forgive my participation in hurting myself and |
| give me the strength to set limits and to stand solid | | | | others as I forgive those who hurt me." |
| in your affirmations, and to release me from | | | | Forgiveness is a spiritual key to healing for survivors, |
| misplaced loyalties as I allow myself to be reborn in | | | | but forgiving does not require forgetting or remaining |
| your calling." "Forgive my shortcomings as I forgive | | | | in abusive situations. Forgiveness does require taking |
| those of others." | | | | action even when you are terrified. Do you want to |
| 2. Forgiving yourself is difficult and may come much | | | | learn more about beliefs on child abuse and |
| later than forgiving others. "Forgive me for being | | | | forgiveness? Part 4 in the series will continue with |
| stuck in my parents' shame as I forgive myself for | | | | three additional beliefs. |