A dialog about Fathers, from the movie, "Smoke Signals"

[HeraldtheNews]

From the movie "Smoke Signals."

"How do we forgive our fathers?
Do we forgive our fathers for leaving us too often?
Or forever, when we were little?
Maybe for scarin' us with unexpected rage?
Or makin' us nervous because there never seemed to be any rage there at all?
Do we forgive our fathers for marryin' or not marryin' our mothers?
For divorcin' or not divorcin' our mothers?
And shall we forgive them for their excesses of warmth or coldness?
Shall we forgive them for pushin' or leanin"?
For speakin' through walls or never speakin', or never being silent?
Do we forgive our fathers in our age or theirs?
Or in their deaths saying it to them, or not saying it?
...If we forgive our fathers,
what is left?"

 

[Dino246]

One of my favourite movies and woefully underrated! A wonderful blend of humour, deep insights, and colourful characters.

In forgiving my father, I also learned to forgive myself. In forgiving, I found that I could hear his story differently, and learned that his mistakes in raising me were not his sin exclusively, but also the result of his upbringing, which was partly the result of his father's upbringing, etc. There is brokenness in this world which was not his fault. I also came to realize that even if he had done everything right, it still would not have been enough, because only my Heavenly Father is enough.

My dad and I came to Christ about the same time, so although we've lived apart for most of that time, our relationship is much closer now than it ever was when I was growing up. Thanks, Herald, for the reminder.

 

[PoetMary]

The book was even better, IMO.