This is my personal statement that I forgive the individuals who have attacked me in the last week. I forgive the individual who tweeted without evidence “You are a racist!” and subsequently liked a tweet that claimed I use the ‘n’ word. I forgive the person who tweeted the despicable claim that I use the ‘n’ word in private. I forgive the person who called me a “racist c–t” and the one who called me a “racist bitch” and then said they are glad that my dog died. I forgive the person who lodged a complaint with my employer based on the spurious charge that I am racist. I forgive all those who joined into this Twitter mob with hateful tweets and DMs. Finally, I forgive the individuals who amplified these voices early on and gave energy to the Twitter mob through likes, retweets, and other encouragement.
It is true that most of these individuals will not be interested in my forgiveness because they will believe they have done nothing needing forgiveness. To many, this statement will be a source of bemusement, to others a cause for further offense or indignation at my perceived self-importance. I cannot control such responses. All I can say is that the road to hell is paved by the refusal to issue forgiveness to others.
And as of today, I am free of the burdens of anger and resentment because today I have forgiven.
