Δαφνη Ευτυχια Αρθουρος

"Atonement may be a divine gift, but one requiring the courage to acknowledge that the past, no matter how seemingly recalcitrant - no matter how 'damaged' I may feel - is mine to transform. The repentance that is transformative is an 'act of love' for only by accepting the self, however daunting a prospect that may be, are transgressions turned into a source of life. When repentance comes out of fear of punishment, and the past is merely renounced, transgressions are made null, but the self remains unchanged. But repentance based upon love works because intentions and actions, never simple, are open to reframing. The story I tell now reveals that the past about which I feel regret, perhaps even shame, is not only consistent with, but propels me towards a future I had not yet imagined." -- William Kolbrener, "Poetry of Repentance" 2011-10-03

[An easy fast to everyone fasting today, and a meaningful Yom Kippur to everyone who is observing it, fasting or not.]