I’m going to go out on a limb in this blog… the Internet these days seems to be a place where if you share your authentic opinions you’re likely to attract vitriol. I hope this is not the case here, and I would love to know if you agree with these thoughts.
The world feels like a dark place right now, and we can all be forgiven for being in a funk. But in reality, there are more white hats than there are black hats, even though the black hats tend to dominate the noise around us.
For example:
Foncim, a French developer was planning to create a condominium complex at Courseulles-Sur-Mer, in France, known as Juno Beach, which is where, during the Second World War, thousands of allies, particularly the Canadians, landed on D-Day—a military success that helped turn around the outcome of the war. The proposed condominium would have been next to a museum which honors the 45,000 Canadians who died in WWII. The Canadian government has been involved in a three-year protest against this development and finally partnered with the town to purchase the land enabling it to continue to be honored as sacred ground for many years to come.
Another example: In October 2021, Alec Baldwin fatally shot cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the film set of “Rust”. Her family sued the Hollywood actor and producers, claiming it wasn’t necessary to use a real gun while filming. This tragic event changed the lives of several families and many others. In the settlement, Matthew Hutchins, the widower of Halyna, said, “As part of that settlement, our case will be dismissed. The filming of Rust, which I will now executive produce, will resume with all the original principal players on board in January 2023. I have no interest in engaging in recriminations or attribution of blame (to the producers or Mr. Baldwin). All of us believe Halyna’s death was a terrible accident. I am grateful that the producers and the entertainment community have come together to pay tribute to Halyna’s final work.”
I only know what you know about this case, so I am commenting with limited understanding of all the details, but it seems to me that this is a beautiful example of moving on, even in the shadow of a terrible event, without revenge, but in the pursuit of healing, non-judgement and reconciliation. Don’t we wish that more tragedies were dealt with in this humane way, with maturity, compassion and a realization that vengeance simply deepens the wounds for everyone?
Yes, the world is difficult and challenging, but when we call in our higher angels, the sadness and bitterness fades.
Who will you forgive today?
As always Lance strikes a real chord in the symphony of life.
Thank you sir. I take the liberty of considering you a respected friend.
You are kind Howard. Thanks for your encouragement!
Lance, as always you are spot on. You are definitely one of the white hats and I’m honored to call you my
friend.
The world needs more love and understanding not judgment. Keep on writing and being you, for you inspire us each day to be a better person and to serve with love. Thank you for your gift.
Thanks for the support, Nancy, and for being a part of our journey to Higher Ground Leadership® https://secretan.com/enjoy-free-10-day-trial-lance-secretans-private-membership-community/
Yes Lance I agree with Howard and Nancy. RIght on. Forgiveness is a blessing for the forgiver.
We all make mistakes we wish we could change. In forgiving ourselves we learn to forgive others.
I commend your vulnerability especially in humbly expressing your views on something in the news. Oft times the forgiver is condemned for forgiving so forgiving takes courage. We grow when we are willing to express what we know is right. Thank you for raising this to my awareness.
Marie, I love how it feels like a burden is relieved when we forgive another.
Thank you Lance. In my opinion, Shakespeare’s version of Mercy also applies to Forgiveness — The quality of mercy is not strained. It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath. It is twice blessed: It blesseth him that gives and him that takes. ‘Tis mightiest in the mightiest.
As you pointed out — it is a gift to ourselves as well as the other. And, it is a gift that keeps on giving.
Thanks for this Joe – trust Shakespeare to sum it up in perfect prose!