How Can I Forgive?
From A Carol's Christmas
JENNIFER: I remember how she smelled when she held me in her arms
And told the monsters in my room to go away.
I remember how she laughed when I sang my little songs
And told me how I’d be a movie star someday.
I remember when she said she had to go for just a little while.
She promised me she’d come home soon — cross my heart, hope to die.
So how can I forgive?
How can I forgive?
I remember counting down, looking out my window,
Waiting for the day I’d feel her arms again.
I remember asking Daddy, “Is it going to be today?”
Then I’d swear I’d see her coming 'round the bend.
I remember when he finally said, “She’s never coming home.”
But she promised me she’d come home soon — cross my heart, hope to die.
So how can I forgive?
How can I forgive?
First the hope turned into disbelief, then anguish into rage.
Now what was then a broken heart is just an empty space.
Oh, God in heaven, can you heal this broken heart
And fill this hole so I can love and live?
Oh, God in heaven, teach me to forgive.
BOTH: Oh, God in heaven,
ELLEN: Take this ordinary soul
JENNIFER: Please heal my heart
ELLEN: Fill it up to overflowing
BOTH: With your power.
And using your extraordinary grace,
ELLEN: Turn this ordinary woman
JENNIFER: Give me the strength
ELLEN: Into a warrior.
JENNIFER: To forgive her.
© 1996 Ross D. Martin, MD, MHA