16/05/2024
I THOUGHT I HAD FORGIVEN HIM 2
(My Story - Episode 109)
9yrs after, this my Uncle died.
I also started working with a new church. Then one of my late uncle's children came to visit my Snr Pastor. I was having a keyboard class that afternoon, when my Snr Pastor was seeing her off. As they passed me, my boss turned back like he just remembered something & asked if we recognize each other. We looked at each other, I make a bow & greeted her courteously but not warmly. The situation was becoming awkward, "Is that all" was the look on my boss.
She reached out to me & hug me.
I felt a rush of anger.
But she was my boss visitor.
I mustn't show it.
Months later, another of his children came to our church for a revival program. That's when my Oga tried to force me to be cordial. Even though, he didn't know what the matter was, he assumed it was the issue my Dad had with his, now late brother, that I was angry about.
Until that time, I actually thought I had forgiven my Uncle. As much as I tried, for more than 5yrs after his death, I couldn't bring myself to still relate with his son as he comes around every year.
And gradually I let go.
One day his children came around. I went to see him on a courtesy visit before his departure. And he was introducing me to his children. They were asking if I am an Alabi too. He answered them in the affirmative & also told them that the young fair boy that came earlier is my son, & that he too is an Alabi.
The kids were surprised.
They were meeting us, their family for the first time in their life.
This story is not about that my late Uncle.
It is about me.
About family.
About forgiveness.
I was offended & was unyielding... Like Proverbs 18:19a "A brother wronged is more unyielding than a fortified city..."
I actually had forgotten about it until I met his children & the pain of the hurt, years before, welled up in me.
My challenge to everyone, especially the elderly ones, is to go back & settle all family squabbles that is tearing you generation apart before you die. Your children & their children don't deserve to become enemies or be lost to each other, because you had issues with your siblings & won't settle it.
Forgiveness is hard.
But it must be done.
Take your time to heal.
But forgive, you must.
It took me around 15yrs to forgive. For 9yrs I live in denial of the offense and the offender. Even after the death of the person that hurt me, I couldn't bring myself to be cordial with his children. It's God's mercy I didn't die in this state. You may not have my opportunity. Forgive and do it ASAP.
Is there anyone you too have thought you have forgiven, but because you are not in close proximity, you think there is no deep seated hatred or anger in you? Reach out now, and purge yourself.
It's not about the wrong done to you. But about your peace with God.