Letting Go... The Franciscan Challenge

Becoming Free of a Grudge

One way of becoming free of a grudge seems so simple, but is actually not that easy:

* Reflect on who is actually getting hurt from the grudge? Not the person against whom you are holding a grudge, but you are! The feeling and scene plays and replays in your mind and you suffer! Why are you doing this to yourself? What benefit are you receiving?

* If you can go deeper, try to figure out why this feeling has attached itself to you. The nature of the grudge and understanding its dynamics are very important to be free of such unhealthy feeling. Was your self-image hurt? If so, do you really value that person's opinion that much? If it was a betrayal, seek your true friends and value them. Don't waste your time nor your energy with people who don't understand what it means to be a friend.

* Practice compassion with all persons. Before you know it, it will become a good "habit" which will make you happier, the people who you touch and the whole world a little better!

A Season of Letting Go

The season of “letting go” has arrived! This month begins with a reminder of our future life in heaven with the celebration of All Saints Day. We then are reminded to let go of those we love as we celebrate All Souls Day. Letting go of those we love does not mean we forget them. We hold them in our hearts, prayers, and our treasured memories.

 As the leaves dance off the trees and fall to the ground, they show us how lovely letting go can be. As the leaves fall, they are not sad about letting go. They are making space for new leaves that will rise in spring with new life, but only if the old ones surrender and let go. As we let go, we do not change colors like the leaves, but we do change. Letting go of stuff in our lives allows us to become the person God wants us to be.