Sister Georige encourages healing without rushing: embracing family forgiveness in the new year

The start of a new year often brings a lot of pressure, especially for families. We hear phrases like “move on,” or “be over it by now,” as if healing is something that happens overnight. But healing doesn’t follow a calendar, and forgiveness isn’t a switch you flip.

This January, Sister Georgie invites families to embrace healing without rushing, focusing on restoration and grace.

It’s okay to still be healing

Healing takes time. Both parents and children carry experiences that don’t simply vanish when the calendar changes. Acknowledging pain is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it’s the first step toward restoration. When families openly name what hurts, they create a safe space for honesty and growth.

For example, if a child is struggling with feelings of rejection or loss, rushing them to “get over it” can shut down their emotions. Instead, sitting together and saying, “I see this is hard for you, and it’s okay to feel this way,” opens the door to healing. Sister Georgie encourages families to honor these feelings and allow healing to unfold naturally.

Forgiveness is a process, not a push

Forgiveness is powerful in faith, but it cannot be forced. True forgiveness happens in layers. It grows through understanding, setting healthy boundaries, prayer, and repair. Pressuring ourselves or our children to forgive quickly can silence emotions that need attention.

Think of forgiveness like peeling an onion. Each layer reveals more to understand and heal. For example, a parent might forgive a child’s mistake but still need time to rebuild trust. Or a child might forgive a parent but still need space to express hurt. Sister Georgie reminds us that God invites us into forgiveness with grace, not guilt.

Repair builds trust

Every family experiences conflict. What matters most is what happens after the conflict. Repair means apologizing sincerely, listening carefully, and trying again. When parents model humility and repair, children learn that relationships can bend without breaking.

A simple example is when a parent loses patience and raises their voice. Saying, “I’m sorry for yelling. Let’s talk about what happened,” shows children that mistakes don’t end relationships. This Repair & Return rhythm strengthens family bonds over time.

Family practice for the month

Try this simple Repair & Return rhythm this week:

• Pause and breathe

• Name what went wrong

• Apologize sincerely

• Reconnect with prayer or a hug

  
  

These small moments of repair build trust and show children that healing is ongoing. Sister Georgie encourages families to practice this rhythm regularly to nurture forgiveness and connection.

A gentle reminder

Healing is not a race. God is patient, and so is love. This month, choose compassion over pressure and progress over perfection. Give your family permission to heal at their own pace.

Reflection question: Where can my family slow down and allow healing to unfold naturally?

For more encouragement, episode clips, and family resources, visit sistergeorgie.com. Tune in every Saturday to Sister Georgie TV Show and join the journey of healing and forgiveness.