I often spend time contemplating God’s plan for me. As I do that, I realize that it is an attempt to be in control. Instead, I just need to get with the program and let God work through me.  I think we are trained to think, react and do in such a way, that we become robots to the pattern of how things should be done.  Yes, there are rules, polices and boundaries that we must follow to keep order in this world.  However, when it comes to God, the discipline required is to let go of that control, forgive and believe.

As a child of the tropics born on the beautiful island of Trinidad, I’m always longing to be close to the ocean.  I often visit the Texas coast to wade through the water, to dig my feet in the sand.  There’s something healing and rejuvenating about this simple act.  It fuels my soul.  It brings me closer to God. The message, validated every single time I go to the ocean, is that God is in control and not me. It’s actually quite reassuring to know that, yes, I can do wonderful things, but only through God who works through me.  For me it’s an experience of letting go, a lightness of being!

So many times we carry heavy burdens on our hearts and minds from harboring memories of experiences we have not resolved that may be painful. Yet we do not know how to move past them and open ourselves to forgiveness which lightens these burdens and allows us to see our purpose more clearly. I feel I’m best when I am present and ask God for guidance and to use me as his instrument.  So many times doubts invade my mind, questioning if I’m doing it right, or is it as good as it should be. Then, I remember: be quiet, be present, and listen to my higher power.

In my work at Interfaith Action of Central Texas (iACT), I work with people from many different faith traditions, and people who have had injustices in their lives.  Many who we think may have difficulty forgiving past injustices and/or perceived injustices.   Many of the refugees we serve at iACT, are people who have been persecuted in their home country, have lost everything, have been clearly wronged and have so much to forgive, to be able to move on with their lives.  Many of them do forgive. If they can do it, who are we not to try?

So why is forgiveness difficult?  It may be because we cannot let go of our familiar story. We are so wrapped up in that story, that it becomes who we think we are and leaves no more room for anything else in our lives. Forgiveness and lightness come from continuously letting go of that narrative, breathing out and making room for new experiences. In the words of Martin Luther King, “Forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a constant attitude.”

This is a new year, a new beginning; having an attitude of forgiveness will surely lighten the weight you carry around. Let go, let God be in control and believe! Forgive yourself and be kind to yourself. Forgive others and be kind to others. Let’s lighten each other’s burdens and build each other up. Let’s help each other live the purposeful life that is intended for us. Believe and embrace a new lighter self.