Forgiveness—a simple concept that is complex and difficult to live out—is basic to most all spiritual paths. Ford (Memoir of a Misfit
) helps iron out the complexities by sharing personal and historical stories of real people who forgive, giving scriptural encouragement for forgiveness and providing questions and practice exercises at the end of each chapter. What's more, she does all this with an inviting, witty tone reminiscent of a chat with a friend over coffee. Her stated purpose is to provide a book on forgiveness that stresses the spiritual connection we foster with God when we forgive. In doing so, she puts the Divine in the forefront. We forgive because God shows us how: "God wrote the book on the sacred act of forgiveness." Although our call is always to forgive, Ford recognizes the thorniness of forgiving someone who is persistently abusive. "Anyone who tries to make you believe that forgiveness always requires reunion is someone who neither understands forgiveness nor has your best interests at heart," she explains. This primer belongs in the hands of anyone who needs to give or receive forgiveness. (May)
