A couple of months ago I read Where There’s Hope by Elizabeth Smart, in which Smart interviews various people who have gone through traumatic experiences in order to find out what helped them move forward.
Many of the people interviewed for Where There’s Hope had previously written their own books about their experiences, and I made a mental note of the few that I would want to read if I were given the chance.
Let It Go was one of these books, and it only took me a month or so to find a used copy for sale.
In 2007, Chris Williams was in a car crash that resulted in the deaths of his pregnant wife and 2 of their children. In the moments following the crash, one of Williams’s first thoughts was overall concern for the driver of the other vehicle – a drunk teenager who had caused the accident. Williams also understood in that moment that he wouldn’t be able to get through this experience if he couldn’t “let it go” and forgive the other driver.
This book takes you through the events leading up to the crash, as well as the emotional recovery during the following months/years.
It’s not a very long book, and it could easily be read in an afternoon (which is pretty much how I read it).
I feel like, even though it wasn’t an amazing book, it had a pretty decent message. In a time when all I seem to hear from social media is a constant cry for justice, Let It Go offers an alternate message. We do a lot more damage to ourselves and to others by holding onto things.
Holding onto pain, bitterness, and anger can keep us from progressing in our lives. Letting things go essentially gives us control of our lives, and allows us to move forward.
Denver Nay Blogs 