Something of Hypocrisy.

     You cannot give forgiveness to someone who is still lurking in the dark, too weak to admit they need it.
     I went to church the other day with Rebecca, and sat and listened to the pastor as he spoke of respect and forgiveness... And I heartily disagreed with nearly every word.
First, he spoke of having respect for your elders, despite whatever wicked or cruel actions they have performed, and having respect for their positions... I do not believe that respect is a right.
I do not believe that because you might have a couple of gray hairs on your head, that you somehow have earned respect, and can do whatever you'd like to me without consequence. This may have worked a long time ago, when corruption was uncommon and shocking, but now, the differences are heavy. Adults rape and hurt children more often than playground bullys. Murder is commonplace and widespread. Greed, lust, hate, discrimination. All of this and more, belonging not just to those of us that are not old enough to know better, but to those we are supposed to endlessly respect and trust.
     No, my respect for you, and my trust for you, will come with time and will be more true and honest than any brand of respect you will recieve from those who believe it is your right. Instead of putting myself at risk, I will give you a brand of respect that means something.

     My forgiveness, as well. There are few people that come to mind when I think of forgiveness, and their crimes are more serious than anything I've ever known. I am told that nothing is more healing, more cleansing, than forgiving those who have harmed you... The Pastor approached me specifically to tell me this. Let go of your rage, silly child. Forgive their "sins".
But do you not think I hold my grudges for good reason? And how do I forgive those that will not come forward and ask for it? My pursuers hide in the dark, too weak to face what they've done, and as long as they hide there, my forgiveness will elude them.
I do not believe they even think of it, and of what  it could mean.
The damaged, as they are blamed by the guilty, cannot forgive what is not ended.

Would you ask me to forgive something you've done, even as you were doing it?