A pastor’s wife with everything together. A widow with everything falling apart. A past they can’t forget and a future they fear. Can mother and daughter overcome their anguish and betrayal to face the challenges ahead?
Ruth Huang’s life seems perfect. With a respectable job in a pharmaceutical conglomerate, a house in the Chicago suburbs, a caring pastor husband, and a well-behaved son, she’s a woman to emulate. When her widowed mother visits from Japan, she can no longer hide her irrational fear of death and her unforgiving heart. While both mother and daughter struggle with chronic diseases, Ruth’s new boss bullies her. Meanwhile, an anonymous letter accuses the pastor and his wife of grievous transgressions.
Unforeseen events force the family to reflect on redemption and reconciliation. Mom chooses to forgive her abusive stepmother, but Ruth can’t let go of bitterness and anger toward her aunt. As tragedy looms once more, can Ruth learn to forgive? Will she surrender her innermost dream?
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5.0 out of 5 stars Well written
Reviewed in the United States on February 1, 2023
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The Way We Forgive by R. F. Whong.
This was a personal one for this author. I first want to say thank you for telling this story. Your heart is pure and good.
We are all imperfect. Nothing is ever written in stone. And we all struggle with forgiveness. This book has such meaning for those who are finding a way to cope with forgiveness.
This was beautiful and heartbreaking to read.
I applaud you, R.F!
As the reviewer said:
This book has such meaning for those who are finding a way to cope with forgiveness.
Then I understood—I finally understood.
Human life trapped in a struggle between love and hatred found its transformative force in forgiveness.
Like love, forgiveness was a choice.
Jesus’ prayer echoed in my mind. “Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.”
I didn’t need an apology from Su-Hua before I forgave her. Because of Jesus, I chose to forgive and didn’t have to involve the person who had hurt me.
I directed my gaze toward the ceiling, a distinct impulse coursing through my veins. I murmured under my breath, “Here and now, in Jesus’ name, I proclaim I’ve forgiven you, Auntie Su-Hua.”
Sunshine streamed through the window blinds and warmed my face.
Peace rose from the center of my body, forcing its way to the surface, filling me, engulfing me. The last piece of resentment buried deep in my heart evaporated.
Auntie Su-Hua raised her brows. “What did you say? Sorry, I’m a bit hard of hearing.”
I stepped forward to hug her. “Thank you for coming. I’m sure it would have meant a lot to my mother that you’re here. She loved you very much.”