An excellent talk and conversation on this last event in the series of 10 Conversations on Forgiveness.
Richard McCann, who’s mother was the first victim of the Yorkshire Ripper, spoke powerfully of his life journey in dealing with the enormous impact of this event, along with other challenges, which took place throughout his childhood. He emphasised the peace which came with arriving at a place of forgiveness.
“Some people, who knew my mum, are still bent on revenge but that’s not how I feel. In 2010 I was invited to a lecture on Forgiveness given by Desmond Tutu, which turned out to be a life-changing experience. I have always known I could never turn back the clock, but hearing Desmond Tutu’s words showed me I had the capacity to change the situation by changing how I felt about what had occurred.
I am no longer carrying around remorse or bitterness; Desmond Tutu’s words about forgiveness helped me forgive the person who killed my mother. At the same time forgiveness fluctuates in my experience; it’s not a decision you come to. I don’t believe forgiveness is a one off act; it’s rather something that enters and leaves our consciousness like the tide and it requires working through continually.”
http://www.richardmccann.co.uk/
Richard McCann has gone on to become an inspiring motivational speaker especially in prisons, and at the Monday night event a film was shown of his work and some responses from prisoners.
The forgiveness Project have now edited footage from the earlier 9 conversations, and they can be viewed on their link, as attached.
http://theforgivenessproject.com/events/past-events/
Such inspiring people, changing lives.
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