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A JOURNEY TOWARDS HEALING: MAKING OUR WAY TO GOOD FRIDAY AND EASTER RESURRECTION
What exactly is forgiveness? Why should I forgive those who have hurt me? How do I get rid of all my ‘wounds’ that I have carried for so long? How do I go on when I am so tired and ‘hurt’? If you have ever found yourself asking these questions then you could be in desperate need of healing…
On the Weekend of 27 February to 1 March 2009 a Healing of Memories workshop took place at the College of the Transfiguration. When I think of the deep experience of healing that I had on the workshop a song called HEALING RAIN from Michael W. Smith springs to mind. If you click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31D2g7t5Bjs you can hear and read the words of healing…
Michael W. Smith sings:
“Lift your heads, let us return
To the mercy seat where time began
And in your eyes, I see the pain
Come soak this dry heart with healing rain “
One of the objectives set out by the Institute for Healing of memories is:
“…To provide an experiential way to overcome feelings of anger, hatred, prejudice and guilt and create a more positive meaning for suffering. It can therefore be considered as one step on the journey to psychological, emotional and spiritual healing and wholeness.”
During the Healing of Memories workshop the College too, became a “place of healing”. Those who participated in the workshop embarked on a journey towards healing. All in search of a new power of forgiveness that can transform fear and
hopelessness, into freedom and peace. As we await the Easter Resurrection we are acutely aware that in the risen Jesus who was betrayed, denied, mocked, scourged, beaten, ridiculed, called names, abused and finally crucified, there was not a trace of anger, resentment, hatred or desire for revenge.
As human beings we carry many similar ‘wounds’ that Jesus carried, and are in constant need of healing. After the workshop I too was able to lift my head, to be able to deal with my daily challenges, and sooth my ‘wounds’ with ‘healing rain’ as Michael W. Smith sings in his song. To all those who listened and all those who shared, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. The Healing of Memories experience gave light and hope to the many moments or times of ‘darkness’ we experience and continues to be a guiding light to a brighter future.
TONIA LENNOX (COUNSELLOR AT COTT)
Here are some of the echoes from participants on the workshop:
The workshop was very good. It made me go deeper into my soul to see the answers that I have buried there. I kept on asking questions and did not want to get to the point of answering them. The workshop actually made me realise that what happened was not my fault and I now say that it was time without feeling guilty. I haven't completely let go but I am doing that gradually.
Thank you for this opportunity.
Thembisa Mjoli
Facing my past, challenging my doubts and fear made me see God’s healing and loving presence in my life journey. Mzikazi
The healing of memories was helpful and interesting, as I managed to share some of the things that I have never shared with anyone else. I wish I could attend another workshop in the future. Gregory