These are the days when our culture seems to embrace rage. But we look around at the brokenness and perhaps we wonder … don’t we all need a whole lot more forgiveness?
We turn on the TV or scroll through social media and see drama-filled outrage over things that will be forgotten by dinner. And I can’t help but ask: why are we so angry? What cut our fuse so short that we’re constantly blasted and damaged?
Perhaps it’s time that we look each other in the eye and admit we need each other — that forgiveness paves a better way. A holier road.
But how do we handle the pain we can’t contain? those memories that track us down like blood hounds on a scent?
Maybe what overwhelms us the most is feeling like no one understands.
Been there, done that. Hence, this book.
Because rage will cage us unless we forgive.
If there’s one thing I’ve come to understand is forgiving is an act of giving: For God so loved — He gave.
Forgiving gives life. Forgiveness restores freedom. Not for our offenders. For us.
I’ve lived the rage and know that forgiveness has radically transformed my life. When we trust Him, God can turn our anger into outrageous abundance.
After struggling and failing, and learning and growing, very slowly, I started to write. Does forgiveness make any sense in a raging world? In a raging heart?
Yes, it most certainly can.
And I didn’t even know if writing this made sense, so I reached out to people much wiser than I. They affirmed then, and they affirm now — if the world doesn’t see forgiveness from God’s people and among God’s people, they won’t see it at all.
I mean how can people learn if the examples are huddled and trembling behind locked doors like the disciples after Jesus was crucified?
So these wonderfully wise people, here’s what they said:
“Turn these pages, immerse yourself in God’s comforting, refining Word, and walk with Donna away from the burden of bitterness and into the liberating lightness of forgiveness.” —Michelle DeRusha, author of Katharina and Martin Luther: The Radical Marriage of a Runaway Nun and a Renegade Monk
“Readers will want to grab a journal to document the lessons and Bible verses the author encourages readers to write down, helping to imprint God’s truths.” —Jan Wendorf, Past LWML President
“Donna…uses Scripture and beautiful language to remind us of the power of Jesus at work in us, making forgiveness in every relationship possible.” —Angie Goeke, author, musician, speaker
“She recognizes the losses involved in forgiveness and she doesn’t shy away from calling out the lies and cultural myths that stand as barriers to forgiveness and freedom.” —Heidi Goehmann, author, speaker, deaconess
“In this study Donna helps us better understand the forgiveness God lavishly offers to all through Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, and how He desires for us to live forgiven and forgiving lives. ” —Rev. John and Debra Heckmann, St. Paul Lutheran Church, The Grove, Texas
“I wasn’t aware of the unforgiveness packed deep in my heart. … As I read the book I was better equipped to break through the walls that were built in my heart.” —Mia Koehne, Singer/Songwriter, Host of Aspire Women’s Event Tour
So I hold this book out to you with hope-filled hands, praying that God uses it to open the cages of rage and usher in the freedom of forgiveness. And to celebrate…
I’m giving away a grand prize to one lucky subscriber:
- Two signed copies of Forgiveness: Received From God, Extended to Others (one to keep, one to share)
- A brand new Kindle e-reader: black, 6-inch, Wi-Fi enabled, glare-free touch screen
- A set of four Scripture mugs to share coffee with your Forgiveness study group
- A $25 Amazon gift card
- Two sets of Forgiveness scripture cards
TO WIN:
- Subscribe to this blog (look to the right)
- Comment below and let me hear your thoughts on the topic of forgiveness
- Share this book release link and tag me on your social media channels (each share generates an additional entry)
The winner will be announced on Tuesday’s regularly-scheduled blog post.
I pray that God uses Forgiveness in ways only He can fathom or imagine to transform our raging culture to a forgiving one. It’s such an honor to serve you, friends. Thank you.
Join me tonight for a Facebook livestream book launch celebration!
