When a heinous act is committed, sometimes one wonders if forgiveness is even possible. Lewis B. Smedes would certainly advise it. "When we forgive," he says, "we set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner we set free is us." In an easy-to-read yet astute analysis of the meaning and value of forgiveness, Smedes teaches the reader that more than anything, forgiveness is a way of healing. He takes as his model the Judeo-Christian God and outlines the many subtleties involved in forgiveness, such as distinguishing anger from hate, and noting that we only forgive those we blame (including ourselves). Forgetting may be more difficult, but at least The Art of Forgiving can help us along the path toward release and healing.

Forgive and Forget : Healing the Hurts We Don't Deserve
By Dr. Lewis B. Smedes

For all of us who have been wounded by another and struggled to understand and move beyond our feelings of hurt and anger, Lewis Smedes's classic book on forgiveness shows that it is possible to heal our pain and find room in our hearts to forgive. Breaking down the process of healing into four stages and offering stories of real people's experience throughout, this wise book provides hope and solace for all who long for the peace that comes with forgiveness.

-- Madeleine L'Engle, author of Certain Women
"Will give help as well as comfort to those who read it."

-- Dr. Robert H. Schuller
"Lewis B. Smedes ... sets us free to understand that forgiveness can be not only a possibility but a reality."

Forgiving the Dead Man Walking
By Debbie Morris

In one horrible act of violence, he destroyed her life. In one incredible act of grace, she forgave him. It was just another time of enjoying milkshakes and small talk. Neither Debbie Cuevas nor her boyfriend, Mark Brewster, gave much thought to the white pickup truck that had pulled up beside them on the river front. Until . . . a revolver thrust through the driver's window . . .
a hand jerked Debbie's head back and a voice said, "Don't do anything stupid" . . . and a quiet Friday evening abruptly became a nightmare. . .More than a riveting narrative, here is an incredible tale of courage, faith, and forgiveness. In a world where all of us struggle sooner or later with unforgiveness, Debbie Morris is a living testimony to the grace we long for: grace that shines more brightly than we dare believe, bright enough to triumph over the darkest evil.