Unsettled Weather: How Do I Forgive?

Source: (2005) Scottdale, Pa.: Herald Press.

In 1984, Wilma Derksen and her husband, Cliff, suffered the loss of their 13 year-old daughter, Candace, who was abducted and murdered. Thus began a long journey for them of deep grief and eventual forgiveness. Today, Wilma Derksen serves as director of Victims’ Voice for Mennonite Central Committee Canada. Prepared by Derksen in collaboration with Tym Elias and Brenda Suderman, this book consists of a group study on forgiveness using a story-telling method. Specific questions about and aspects of forgiveness discussed in the book include the following: what is the environment in which to forgive; where is the need to forgive; how to start to forgive; the difficulty in forgiving; the power to forgive; and helping others to forgive. Each of the seven lessons includes stories, reflections, Scripture readings, and discussion questions. Additionally, two appendices offer the reader or study group brief stories of forgiveness and suggested reading for further study and reflection.