Full size book cover of The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable}

The Gift of Forgiveness: Inspiring Stories from Those Who Have Overcome the Unforgivable

Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt

3.69(4022 readers)
A fresh, inspiring book on learning how to forgive--with firsthand stories from those who have learned to let go of resentment and find peace

"When we learn to embrace forgiveness, it opens us up to healing, hope, and a new world of possibility." --Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt

Written with grace and understanding and based on more than twenty in-depth interviews and stories as well as personal reflections from Schwarzenegger Pratt herself, The Gift of Forgiveness is about one of the most difficult challenges in life--learning to forgive. Here, Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt shows us what we can learn from those who have struggled with forgiveness, some still struggling, and others who have been able to forgive what might seem truly unforgivable. The book features experiences from those well-known and unknown, including Elizabeth Smart, who learned to forgive her captors; Sue Klebold, whose son, Dylan, was one of the Columbine shooters, learning empathy and how to forgive herself; Chris Williams, who forgave the drunken teenager who killed his wife and child; and of course Schwarzenegger Pratt's own challenges and path to forgiveness in her own life. All provide different journeys to forgiveness and the process--sometimes slow and thorny, sometimes almost instantaneous--by which they learned to forgive and let go.

The Gift of Forgiveness is a perfect blend of personal insights, powerful quotations, and hard-won wisdom for those seeking a way to live with greater acceptance, grace, and peace.

Elizabeth Smart --
Chris Williams --
Sarah Klein --
Polly Sheppard --
Christy Little Jones --
Immacelée Ilibagiza --
Ron Hall --
Deborah Copaken --
Nadia Bolz-Weber --
Lewis Howes --
Scarlett Lewis --
DeVon Franklin --
Mark Rozzi --
Michelle LeClair --
Sue Klebold --
Talinda Bennington --
Mark Kelly --
Iskra Lawrence --
Tanya Brown --
Adel Altamimi --
Cora Jakes Coleman --
Sebastián Marroquín

Publisher

Pamela Dorman Books

Publication Date

3/10/2020

ISBN

9781984878250

Pages

224

Categories

Life & Leisure

About the Author

Portrait of author Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt
Katherine Schwarzenegger Pratt is a New York Times best-selling author, animal advocate, daughter, sister, wife and step-mom. As a passionate animal advocate, Katherine works as an Ambassador for Best Friends Animal Society and the ASPCA, lending her time, voice and energy to spread awareness about animal rescue. As an author, Katherine has skillfully translated her own personal experiences into all of her books that speak to her generation.

Her first book, NY Times best seller, Rock What You’ve Got, spoke to young women struggling with self esteem, body image issues and documented Schwarzenegger Pratt’s own personal journey to self-confidence. Her second book, I just Graduated…Now What? offers advice and anecdotes from several well-known people, for young people as they embark on their journey out of college into the real world.

Her third book and her first children’s book, Maverick and Me, is a heartwarming book about the wonders and benefits of pet adoption and chronicles Katherine’s real life experiences with fostering dogs eventually leading to the adoption of her rescue, named Maverick.

Katherine’s latest book, The Gift of Forgiveness, (debuting March 2020), is an inspiring must read for people of all ages, all walks of life, and all spiritual practices. She interviews more than 20 people who have worked hard, and are still working hard, to overcome unforgivable and unimaginable experiences.

Katherine lives with her family in Los Angeles.

Questions & Answers

The concept of forgiveness evolves significantly throughout the narratives of individuals who have experienced extreme pain and loss. Initially, forgiveness is often viewed as a simple act of releasing anger or a gift to the offender. However, as these individuals navigate their journeys, forgiveness becomes a deeply personal and complex process. It shifts from a one-way act to a two-way process involving compassion for both the offender and oneself. These individuals learn that forgiveness is not about excusing the pain but about healing and moving forward. They discover that forgiveness is a gift to themselves, allowing them to let go of resentment and pain. This evolution often involves stages of acceptance, understanding, and empathy, leading to profound personal growth and a newfound sense of peace.

The perspectives on forgiveness in the text reflect diverse personal journeys and experiences. Elizabeth Smart emphasizes forgiveness as a personal act for self-healing, not a two-way street. Chris, after a tragic accident, finds forgiveness through faith and understanding the impact of his actions. Sarah forgives her abuser to move forward, emphasizing the distinction between forgiveness and reconciliation. Polly Sheppard, after a mass shooting, finds forgiveness through her faith and empathy, demonstrating the power of compassion. Christy Little Jones and Immaculée Ilibagiza both highlight the importance of self-love and forgiveness in healing. Ron Hall's story shows forgiveness as a transformative force, while Deb's letter to her rapist shows the power of forgiveness in healing oneself. Nadia's journey emphasizes taking responsibility and seeing the situation from the other's perspective. Lewis Howes and Scarlett Lewis demonstrate the importance of empathy and moving beyond victimhood. DeVon Franklin and Sue Klebold show the challenges of forgiving oneself and others, with Sue focusing on self-forgiveness. Talinda Bennington and Mark Kelly show the complexities of forgiving a loved one who has taken their own life. These stories reflect the nuanced and personal nature of forgiveness, highlighting its importance in healing and personal growth.

The act of forgiveness profoundly impacts both the forgiver and the person who has caused harm. For the forgiver, it's a transformative process that leads to emotional healing, peace, and freedom from the burden of resentment. It allows the forgiver to move forward, unburdened by the past, and to cultivate empathy and compassion. For the person who has caused harm, forgiveness can prompt introspection, accountability, and a chance to make amends. This can lead to personal growth, redemption, and the possibility of mending relationships.

Broader implications for society include fostering a culture of empathy and understanding, reducing cycles of violence and retribution, and promoting healing and reconciliation. When individuals and communities practice forgiveness, it can lead to more harmonious relationships, reduced conflict, and a more compassionate society.

The successful practice of forgiveness involves several key factors, which vary across narratives:

  1. Self-Reflection and Self-Love: Many narratives emphasize the importance of self-reflection and self-love. Elizabeth Smart, for instance, focused on loving herself and allowing herself to feel emotions, while Immaculée Ilibagiza drew inspiration from her faith and belief in God.

  2. Compassion: Compassion towards both the perpetrator and oneself is a recurring theme. Sarah Klein, for example, learned to empathize with her abuser, while Polly, after the Charleston church shooting, forgave the shooter out of compassion.

  3. Understanding and Empathy: Understanding the context and emotions of others is crucial. Nadia Bolz-Weber, for one, separated her feelings from the person who hurt her, recognizing the pain and suffering that led to the hurtful actions.

  4. Patience and Persistence: Forgiveness is often a gradual process. Chris Williams described it as a practice, requiring daily effort and persistence.

  5. Faith and Spiritual Beliefs: Many narratives, such as those of Immaculée Ilibagiza and Polly, involve faith and spiritual beliefs that provide strength and guidance.

  6. Communication and Reconciliation: Some narratives, like those of Christy Little Jones and Ron Hall, involve open communication and reconciliation with the person who caused the hurt.

These factors differ across narratives based on individual experiences, backgrounds, and the nature of the hurt. Some focus more on self-healing, while others emphasize the importance of reconciliation with the perpetrator.

The book encourages readers to reflect on their own forgiveness experiences by sharing diverse stories of individuals who have overcome significant challenges through forgiveness. It emphasizes the personal nature of forgiveness, illustrating that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. By showcasing the journeys of survivors, family members, and those who have asked for forgiveness, the book invites readers to consider their own past and present relationships. It encourages self-reflection through exercises and prompts, such as writing letters to those who have hurt them or themselves, and promotes the idea that forgiveness is a process that requires patience, understanding, and compassion. The book's emphasis on the transformative power of forgiveness motivates readers to apply its lessons to their own lives, fostering healing, hope, and personal growth.

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