Wednesday, May 09, 2007

Forgive Yourself

But first, apologize to yourself. Today I was driving and one of my favorite songs came on. It's called "The Reason" by Hoobestank. I have sung along with this song many times always with someone in mind or, of course, God. Many Christians like this song as a Contemporary Gospel type song. Today I was singing along and I looked up in the rearview and it suddenly dawned on me that I could sing it to myself. I have let go of so many ugly feelings, so much pain and so much regret. I really, really have. I don't beat myself up anymore for hurting others with my past behavior. I just really, really love people that I love and vow every day to make life the best for myself and those I love.

Still, I think it's very healing to apologize to yourself for doing things that were hurtful. Sometimes we worry about how much we hurt others and we forget that our actions also hurt our selves.

So, if you have done things that you feel bad about and you've asked forgiveness from everyone else but yourself, grab a mirror or think of yourself as a child, and sing along to your self.

If you refuse to apologize to yourself, just be entertained by the drawing. :)






"The Reason"

I'm not a perfect person
There's many things I wish I didn't do
But I continue learning
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I'm sorry that I hurt you
It's something I must live with everyday
And all the pain I put you through
I wish that I could take it all away
And be the one who catches all your tears
Thats why i need you to hear

I've found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is You

and the reason is You [x3]

I'm not a perfect person
I never meant to do those things to you
And so I have to say before I go
That I just want you to know

I've found out a reason for me
To change who I used to be
A reason to start over new
and the reason is you

I've found a reason to show
A side of me you didn't know
A reason for all that I do
And the reason is you

7 comments:

Pam Aries said...

Cool.. LISA! ...This seems to be an ongoing theme recently...to forgive ourselves and be good to ourselves! Awesome ! You are such great inspiration!~ I don't know what is going on "today", but it is a grand day with lots of epiphanies!

smilnsigh said...

Oh my yes! Forgive ourselves!!

Mari-Nanci

JoyceAnn said...

Powerful message Lisa and so very true.
I received my collage Tues. It's a wonderful piece of art , can't wait to frame it and hang it in my studio.
Sending you a big Thank-You cyber-hug !
Hope your week has been great !

Melissa said...

It is what I need to hear...the anger I am living with right now is choking me...

That song always makes me cry.

PennyBlue said...

Yes, sometimes you have to think of yourself as an old friend. One that you would forgive for their mistakes and then do the same for yourself. Good post!

Creative Life Studio said...

Hey, I hadn't thought of that! I actually didn't like that song to much, but I like thinking of God in there... and then myself too. :)

You seem to be in a really good place. I've started doing more positive self-affirmations for myself because, while I am not in any negative spiral or anything serious, I do hear that critical voice quite loud and clear on a daily basis. I realized that I would never say the things I mentally say to myself to my children and am working to change that!! Great post.

And yes, I think you will truly enjoy Keri Smith's book! It's a lot of fun! :)

Anonymous said...

I think we forget that once we have repented to God that He not only forgives but He forgets. We therefore have no reason to even think about our mistakes, because God doesn't. Apologise to God, apologise to the person you hurt if you can, mean it and forget about it. Real freedom.

I think that when we focus on ourselves and all our faults we become almost as self absorbed as someone who loves themselves. Keep our eyes on the One who loves us, who covers our faults and takes away our sins.

I looooove this song!! It's one I remember really loving when it came out. It had quite a cool video...was it a robbery or something strange, lol.

Yipeeeeeeeee! Hugs.