"31 Days of Forgiveness {through the eyes of grace}"

Forgiveness. 

Over the past weeks I've had the privilege of reading a lovely new book by Tracie Stier-Johnson called 31 Days of Forgiveness {through the eyes of grace}, a Biblically-sound yet real {honest, compassionate, truthful} exploration of a weighty topic very few people initiate with true love and grace. 

For me, the word "forgiveness" brings to heart feelings of both shame and bitterness. Shame for my own shortcomings, bitterness for festering wounds inflicted by others. 31 Days of Forgiveness reminded me that neither shame nor bitterness belongs in my life because we were meant to be free and, without coincidence, forgiveness brings freedom. 


Tracie's book tackles this heavy matter of the heart, and all our questions and reservations that go along with it, with a lovely balance of grace and truth. The book is a thorough and compassionate exploration of all things forgiveness: what it is, what it's not, why it's necessary, the how-to's, and includes powerful, real-life stories of forgiveness, demonstrating that through Him, we truly can forgive anything. Without using this platform as a tell-all, Tracie's personal experience with disappointment, pain, and regret, as well as her time spent with the Lord for healing and redemption is evident, making her a trustworthy companion for this journey. 

31 Days of Forgiveness is comprised of very short chapters for each day, with a bonus study guide to help you fully digest the profound truths of that day. This book is a resource I will read and work through every time I find myself holding onto anger, bitterness, or resentment. It would be great to work through with a trusted friend or small group. 


This book was, for me, a personal invitation to explore a path that would lead the inmost portion of my heart to profound healing. I love this quote used on Day 10:

Forgiveness does not exonerate the perpetrator. Forgiveness liberates the victim. It’s a gift you give yourself. It has less to do with what somebody else did as much as it does with your decision to move on with your life and not be continually victimized by rehearsing that issue or incident over and over again.

~ Bishop T.D. Jakes 

No matter the size of your wound or the depth of your resentment, I want this freedom for you. The Lord wants this freedom for you. And the book is available  for the first time TODAY at http://www.amazon.com/31-Days-Forgiveness-through-grace/dp/1482091615.  Until Saturday, 2/9 (12am EST) your copy from amazon is FREE! It will also be available for purchase through Barnes & Noble and http://31daysofforgiveness.com very soon. All proceeds go to The Seed Company, supporting Bible translators making the Bible available in all languages around the world.  

Additionally--to celebrate the launch--Tracie is also giving away fun prizes--and I want you to win one! 

Note pads from DaySpring, a hard copy of 31 Days of Forgiveness, and a so-cute hoot owl pillow from Button Bird Designs. Just leave a comment on this post to be entered to win! You can also enter by writing your own blogpost, sharing on Facebook, or posting to Twitter or Instagram with #31forgiveness. If you are new to my site, please include your email address so I can notify you if you win! Entry for the giveaway will close Friday, 2/8 at 6:00AM (PST). 

I'm excited to be a part of this launch because in this fleshy existence, not one of us outgrows the need to forgive and be forgiven. 

God intended us to live in freedom, unbound by the burdens of bitterness, hurt, vengeance. It's still the beginning of a new year. Walking the next 31 days toward forgiveness would be miles well-traveled and weight joyfully shed.