This month, I award a Perfect Post Award to the talented Grace Davis of State of Grace for her post, "Forgiveness Where It Belongs." When the blogosphere was full of swoony-love notes to mom in honor of Mothers Day, Grace tackled a difficult topic: How do you forgive a parent who subjected you to abuse? Is it necessary for healing?
Grace says no. The forgiveness should come to the one who deserves it: the child, grown-up victim still wounded by the licks of the past. She gives a litany of "sins" that childhood abuse survivors may have committed and offers absolution for them all. She writes:
Forgive yourself for feeling shame.
Forgive yourself for hating yourself.
Forgive yourself. You're the one who deserves it.
By writing of the pain that she endured as a child, Grace speaks to what so many have suffered but few have the courage to give
voice to and own. She is a truly talented and courageous writer.
Grace is a remarkable person. I was inspired by her talk at BlogHer last year, and was fortunate enough to meet her through our mutual connections at the Silicon Valley Moms Blog. I feel so blessed to know her.
So, to Grace Davis, truth-teller, writer, mother, survivor and thriver, I give you this little token of my esteem for your writing and for your ability to break through the silence. You continue to inspire me in your words and deeds.
Thanks to Suburban Turmoil and Momma K for sponsoring these little awards and allowing bloggers to recognize the people who inspire them.
