January 4, 2026 / By Theresa Shadrix

If I learned one thing in 2025, it was how forgiveness lifts the burden of pain and hurt.

When you are used to filling the emotional buckets in others' lives while your own bucket is empty, you learn to choose peace quickly.

You also understand that sometimes choosing peace means people will turn against you, believe lies, misunderstand you, or fail to be empathetic.

Forgive anyway.

When you are used to judgmental comments and turned-up noses of disdain, you learn to filter out hateful words, and you master the art of painting on a face of indifference.

Forgive anyway.

When you look in the mirror and have to silence the perspective of someone else's insecurities, you learn to see yourself through God's lens, who loves His creation.

Forgive anyway.

Forgiveness doesn't mean you have to carry on a relationship.

Forgiveness doesn't clean up a mess of dysfunction.

Forgiveness doesn't make all of your problems disappear.

Forgiveness is a healing balm. Forgiveness is freedom.

- Theresa