In forgiving we free ourselves from bondage of past

Some of the comments on media platforms since the death of Britain’s Queen Elizabeth had me shivering.

Many were laced with hatred, bitterness and an unforgiving spirit.

Some people even tried to justify their bitterness.

While I agree that slavery and colonialism cannot be condoned, it should be obvious to all that the wrongs of the past cannot be undone.

We should rather spend our energy working hard to ensure that similar evils do not come over us in future.

Why then are we spilling so much energy into things we cannot change?

In this regard please read the prayer of St Francis of Assisi.

In forgiving you free yourself from the bondage of the past.

There are millions roaming the streets who have become prisoners of their past because they will not let go.

Some romanticise their martyrdom.

While we cannot forget, we can forgive and let go.

What we in SA need is a clean and honest break from that in our past which keeps us imprisoned.

We have become an angry, aggressive and bitter people.

I thank God for empowering many to overcome that and I implore every South African to reflect on this aspect of their lives.

Only once we have buried the ghosts of our past by forgiving, will we as a nation be in a position to move forward.

For the sake of our children’s future I urge you to do this, my fellow countrymen.