Ferndale Library Lists: Kathleen's picks (On forgiveness and following your heart)

Our exceptional Library Page, Kathleen Hellenberg, has compiled a very thoughtful (and varied) list of engaging titles ruminating on the subject of forgiveness. Her keen eyes have found a wide-range of titles (books/dvds/cds) from our collection - a testament to the meticulous care she employs when scanning/organizing/arranging and surveying our collection. 

Kathleen's Picks

Kathleen:
In my work as a Peace Minister of the Beloved Community, I was recently invited to be the guest speaker at the Center of Enlightenment Church. To prepare to speak about forgiveness  and following your heart, I found the Library Network and the Ferndale Library to be a good source of material on these subjects.

DVD            
THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

Because stories of wanting justice and payback are covered by the media far more than those of forgiveness and mercy, the action by the Amish community of forgiving the gunman who injured and killed several of their children in October of 2006 was presented with astonishment.

In this important documentary, the subject of forgiveness is gone into in depth, covering new developments in understanding its importance on a personal level, as well as its influence in helping heal groups, communities, societies and nations.

Be sure to watch the special features section of this DVD, which contains important additional information, including other movies to watch on the subject of forgiveness.

FIC                
FOLLOW YOUR HEART
by Susanna Tamaro

A grandmother who has kept secret something she experienced in her 20's when she followed her heart begins to write about her feelings in what she hopes will be a healing balm to the now estranged granddaughter she raised after the grandmother's daughter, the girl's mother, died from injuries she sustained the day she was told the secret. By finally revealing the secret to her granddaughter, the woman hopes to convey to her that no matter what the stakes, we must look within ourselves to gather the courage to follow our hearts.

NON-FIC    
THE FORGIVENESS FORMULA: How to Let Go of Your Pain
and Move On with Life, 

by Kathleen Griffin

True forgiveness comes from the heart. Our mind prefers we play it safe and hold onto the pain, fearful we'll be hurt again. When we let go of the pain, we free ourselves from the control of the past. So how do we do that?

Paying keen attention to feelings, the author presents a unique method that enables us to feel secure and safe while going within to set ourselves free.

NON-FIC    
NO FUTURE WITHOUT FORGIVENESS
by Desmond Tutu

This book is about what went into shaping the way the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings, held in South Africa after Nelson

Mandela's election, were set up and held, along with some examples of the heart-rending testimony that was given. These hearings were held in an effort to heal the nation by bringing together enforcers of the horrors of apartheid and their victims; giving the enforcers the opportunity to take responsibility for their actions, ask for forgiveness and receive amnesty; and to give the victims the opportunity to forgive.

After decades of being treated as less than human by their government, what would make the victims want to forgive? Read this and find out.

CD              
THE MASSAGE & MEDITATION COLLECTION
by Various Artists

Getting in touch with what needs to be forgiven can bring up stress-filled feelings. 

Soothe yourself with this 2-disc set of some new and some familiar songs played in a way to help you relax.

NON-FIC  
MADE FOR GOODNESS and WHY THIS MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE
231.8T        
by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and his daughter, Mpho

This book is a wonderfully affirming confirmation of what we were made for. In one of the prayers at the end of each chapter written as if God is speaking, we read:

“What does it matter if you do not make it right?

What does it matter if your efforts move no mountains?

It matters not at all.

It only matters that you live the truth of you.

It only matters that you push back the veil to let your goodness shine through.

It only matters that you live as I have made you.

It only matters that you are made for me,

Made like me

Made for goodness.”