Wow! Wow! I love this article. I admit, I am just now learning to forgive a little more because of my religion/beliefs, and it is very hard because the people who hurt us, I deep down know they don't deserve it, but I do it "for my own benefit" and so if I ever need forgiveness I can be on the receiving end as well.

Having said that, I agree with what you wrote. I think it is manipulation because so far when blacks forgive the racist whites, what good has come of it?....Nothing. It does not build our souls. It hasn't gotten rid of how awful we are still being treated. Forgiveness did NOTHING.

I remember two years ago when I was substitute teaching, a counselor came in to speak with the students about forgiveness. Something he said, never left me. he said, "Forgiveness takes time. No one should make you forgive someone that hurt you and you do not have to do it immediately."