Wings of Inspiration |21 March 2026

The freedom in forgiveness: Letting go to rise higher                                                                                                               

By John Mayengo                                     

There are moments in life when the weight of hurt, betrayal, or regret seems too heavy to carry. The pain is too sharp and it clings like a shadow, whispering ugly reminders of what was done or what was lost. It is at this time when we are faced with a painful choice: Do l hold on to the hurt, or do l let go?

Sometimes the pain is justified – betrayal, disappointment, injustice, words that wounded, or actions that broke our trust. The natural instinct is to build walls, carry resentment, and let anger shield the tenderness we no longer want the world to see.

But here’s the truth that transforms lives:

Holding on to hurt does not protect us. It imprisons us. Forgiveness is not weakness, it is freedom.

What Forgiveness is – and what it’s not:

Forgiveness is not saying or accepting that what happened was okay. It’s not pretending we were not hurt, or that trust wasn’t broken. It’s not excusing abuse, betrayal, or injustice.

This is what Forgiveness means:

It means choosing to release the weight of pain, so it no longer controls our peace. It’s about choosing peace over poison.

It is saying, “I will not let what happened to me define me anymore.”

It’s that brave act of reclaiming your power from the ugly grip of the past, - for unforgiveness is too heavy for the soul and it robs us of joy. The person who wronged you may have long forgotten, but you’re still carrying the memory like a wound that won’t close.

Why?   Because you haven’t set yourself free yet.

You surely deserve more than to be stuck in someone else’s mistake.

The incredible power of letting go.

To let go is not to give up – it’s to rise up.

Letting go doesn’t mean letting someone off the hook. It means releasing yourself from the hook. And it’s not a weakness. In fact, forgiveness is one of the strongest things a person can ever do. It requires great courage to release anger; humility to surrender control, and wisdom to know that holding on too long can quietly destroy the very life we are trying to protect.

Why do we always struggle to forgive?

Many of us hold onto resentment because it gives us a false sense of justice. If we stay angry, it feels like we are keeping the past accountable. But resentment is a silent killer and thief. It robs us of joy, presence, and freedom. It builds walls where we need bridges. And over time, it can harden even the softest hearts.

Forgiving sets our life free.

Yes, when we forgive, we reclaim our power. We no longer give the past permission to dictate our future. We make room for joy, for love, for new beginnings. We move lighter, breathe deeper, and see life with more clearer eyes.

And you don’t have to wait until it feels fair. You don’t need an apology to begin healing. Forgiveness is yours to give, not because they deserve it – but because you do.

So, take a breath. Loosen your grip. Say the words your ear needs to hear.

“I release you. I release this. I choose peace. I choose to be free.

Sum it all with this simple prayer.

“God, give me the courage to release what l can’t control,

The grace to forgive what hurt me,

And the strength to walk forward unchained.

May my heart be light,

My sprit free,                                   

And my soul at peace.

john.mayengo@yahoo.co.uk