Healing Life's Hurts: Healing Memories through the Five Stages of Forgiveness

by Dennis Linn, Matthew Linn

A volume of practical wisdom that applies the five stages of Kübler-Ross to the healing process. †

Genres: Spirituality

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

On the very short list of "books-that-changed-my life", this one is at or near the top. There are dozens and dozens of books written about forgiveness and the need for forgiveness. This is not one of those other books. Unlike the other books that tend to spend most of their ink convincing you of the need to forgive (I was already convinced), this book walks you through what healthy forgiveness looks like. It helps you to discern what forgiveness looks like (it doesn't mean pretending you weren't hurt, or that what the other person did was OK,or right). Better still, it gives you practical ways to allow God to work in your heart to move you towards that place of healthy forgiveness. I always knew I needed to forgive but I didn't know what healthy forgiveness looked like or how even to begin to get there and that's where this book helped.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

There's alot to this help/guidance book. Most of us are walking wounded. I like how the Fathers Linn (Fr Dennis and Fr Matthew) make it clear that there are two primary calls for healing...on the physical side sickness, cancer, injuries as well as the spiritual realm hurt feelings because of others, hurt feelings because of guilt. These can be interrelated: someone who is anxious/type A and angry rushed, impatient may be more prone to developing health issues.
Many details walking us through the hurt caused by frenemy Gus, for example. In a way, I would say this wounding redirected the course of Fr Linn's life...changed his personal mission and gave him this vocation to share with others. Moreover there are sections toward the end whereby a person can walk through steps of healing with prayers, suggested contact with others. 'no stones are left unturned'. Interesting for Catholics in that you can walk thru the celebration of the Mass and work through memory, sacrifice and healing.
Two criticisms before I end: The target audience is predominantly Catholics which is unfortunate for other people of faith...diverse religions. Secondly, the writing tone is very wordy with detailed examples. IDK if a neuro-diverse, i.e. Asperger's reader would find this book helpful as it is very verbal and not easily 'concrete' until the end of the book.

[Elizabeth Braden · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just found this book and it is an excellent book. There are a lot of books out there written about forgiveness. This book is excellent, a must read for anyone who wants to know about the 5 stages of walking and working through forgiveness. I think this would help and benefit many people. It has been beneficial to me. One thing that I found to be most helpful was to ask that we forgive those who have hurt us for what they know that they have done against us that is wrong and what they don't know that they have done to hurt us! Great book!

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a first edition copy from 1977, which belonged to my grandma. I love it. I found it at a critical part in my life and have reread it a few times.

[Trene1968 · Rating 5 out of 5]

really, really good

[Elaine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Skimmed

[Serap · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!