forgiveness can be a transformative and ongoing process


One powerful story of forgiveness involves a social worker who shared her personal journey of healing and forgiveness, particularly in the context of her relationship with her father.

In the narrative from the National Association of Christian Social Workers (NACSW), a social worker describes her tumultuous childhood and the long process of forgiveness she undertook. 

Here is a summary of her story:

The social worker had a deeply troubled childhood, marked by her father's absence, rape, bullying, and self-inflicted harm. These experiences left her with profound emotional scars and a deep-seated sense of worthlessness. 


As she grew older, she realized that she needed to address these wounds and work towards forgiveness, not just for her own healing but also to find her true identity.She began her journey by seeking therapy and journaling about her experiences. This process involved naming the specific offenses and feeling the hurt they had caused. 

She wrote extensively about her feelings, drawing pictures and writing poems that captured the pain she had endured since childhood.Through this therapeutic process, she discovered the importance of forgiveness as a continuous mindset rather than a one-time action. She found strength and grace in her faith, realizing that she was loved by God and had inherent worth and meaning. This realization helped her to start forgiving her father, a process that was both painful and liberating.

The social worker emphasized that forgiveness is not about trusting the person who caused harm but about releasing the anger and bitterness that can consume one's life. She continues to revisit the idea of forgiveness daily, seeking help from God and maintaining a strong relationship with her faith.


This story highlights how forgiveness can be a transformative and ongoing process, enabling individuals to heal, find peace, and live a life free from the burdens of anger and resentment. It also underscores the critical role that faith and therapeutic support can play in this journey







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