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Forgiveness VS Trust...
By: Connie J..., August 23, 2023
This topic was suggested by Daryl – loosely based on the many stories she’s heard, over her years of counseling.
One theme was someone that had children of their own; but had been sexually abused by a family member, or close friend. They either did, or did not tell about their abuse; but were still in contact with their abuser.
Another theme was if someone had stolen from you; but you had not broken connection with them.
In either situation, you had worked through YOUR issues, and forgiven them; the question is, would you trust them, again, with your children or your belongings?
Forgiveness is not necessarily to benefit the perpetrator; it is ONE of the many steps to help the Victim establish some sort of closure.
Trust is something that must definitely be earned via a conversation regarding the offense; followed by changed behavior.
Incidentally, just saying, “I messed up.”, is NOT taking responsibility for your actions. There needs to be an apology accepting accountability; followed by taking steps to earn back that lost trust.
Remember, it is not a “given” that you will be trusted to the depth you were, before. That is solely up to the one whose trust was broken, and how.
This is definitely not an exhaustive discussion about this. What are your thoughts about Forgiveness vs Trust? Are they synonymous in your life? Should they be? Have you ever thought about it? Is it time to consider this concept?
Thank you, and have a good day, and be safe… #oneinfour #ithappenstomentoo #dviseverywhere #domesticviolence
*October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Please share this post, no matter what month it is, to help get the word out. The Victim has to make the choice – but, “What If…” they read something you sent them, and it just “clicks”?
*I generally share a “What If…” post, once a month, and I would love the opportunity to share YOUR “what ifs”. Please send your “What If…” ideas to Connie J… – beamererin@yahoo.com; or through Ozer email, ozerministries@att.net.
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