Lynne Threatened to Call the Doctor

“And forgive us our sins, just as we have forgiven those who have sinned against us . . . If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins”

Two of my friends lately have accused me of having a lot of Catholic guilt. Now, I consider myself pretty well-versed in Catholic mockery, but I don't know if I have ever heard that term before. I find that astounding because they both seemed rather set in their opinions on it. So, obviously, I've given it some thought.

I can understand how this guilt could potentially seem more reticent within Catholics; however, I think that is a ridiculous generality to make. Anyone who has a decent conscience is going to feel guilty if he or she does something legitimately wrong. I also think that depends heavily on the person who is being referred to. People who don't do "bad" things often will probably feel worse that people who regularly "sin." Of course, all of these things are generalities. That's my point. To place that label on one faith or one person straight up redonk.

For myself, particularly, I find it easier to bring things in rather than express them outwardly when I get angry or hurt. It's harder... I don't know if you've ever tried it, but it is sooo hard. But I think forgiving is infinitely better than hating and then forgetting. I want to mull over something and come to terms with it. I want to pray about something until I don't need to dislike the person who did it.

I bring it all into my own hands. Because, I don't know if I can trust others to forgive me, so I have to forgive myself. And sometimes, I don't know if I can trust others to forgive themselves... So I let them know that I will forgive them no matter what. Because if I refuse to forgive others, who will ever choose to forgive me?

“Forgive the rebellious sins of my youth; look instead through the eyes of Your unfailing love, for You are merciful, O LORD . . . For the honor of Your name, O LORD, forgive my many, many sins . . . Feel my pain and see my trouble. Forgive all my sins”