Letters July 22, 2013 Issue

Letters

Maralee Burdick Knowlen, Margaret Wylie

“Gift for a father—forgiveness and love,” from the Sentinel, June 10, 2013, reminded me of a healing I had during a Sunday church service.

Growing up, I was teased unmercifully by my older brother. I did my best not to cry and, mostly, not to react, as our mom counseled. In adulthood, my brother and I were friendly at family gatherings, but I still felt gnawing guilt about two things—holding a grudge all those years and feeling I must have caused the teasing.

I hadn’t given this situation specific prayer or treatment for many years. One Sunday, during the repetition of the Lord’s Prayer, I heard the man behind me. His voice reminded me of my brother’s. My heart leapt when that man repeated, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” I knew in that moment that all was forgiven. I forgave my brother and I forgave myself.

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