We think of forgiveness as something we extend once the person who hurt us has asked for it. But forgiveness is a choice we make without regard for the other person's actions. We choose to forgive whether they ask for it or not. The stories of two older brothers - Esau and the Prodigal's brother - help us to see the cost of unforgiveness is too high. We want to find the freedom that comes from forgiveness. Because forgiveness is for me before it's for them.
[/one_half][one_half_last]Why do we love stories about monsters? Vampires, werewolves, zombies and ghosts fascinate us – which is strange. Monster stories aren’t really about monsters – they’re about us. Monster stories externalize our deepest fears about ourselves. If we’re willing to face our monsters head-on, we can find freedom and hope.