We Forgive the Cruelty

They took us from our families, put us in their schools,

Tried to take our language, tried to break our rules.

But hatred's just a prison that we build inside our minds,

So we choose to forgive them, leave the bitterness behind.

Our brothers and our sisters, even those we never knew,

They suffered through the same pain, they were hurting too.

We carry all their stories, but we won't carry the hate,

Forgiveness is the only way to better our own fate.

(Chorus)

We forgive, we let the anger go,

True forgiveness lightens up our soul.

For our relatives and friends we knew,

God forgives us when we forgive too.

Residential schools they stole so much from you and me,

Our culture and our children, tried to kill our identity.

But resentment doesn't heal us, it just weighs upon our soul,

When we choose to truly forgive, that's when we become whole.

It's not about forgetting what they put our people through,

It's about releasing anger it's what we were taught to do.

When we forgive sincerely, not just words but from within,

God will show us mercy when we stumble in our sin.

(Chorus)

We forgive, we let the anger go,

True forgiveness lightens up our soul.

For our relatives and friends we knew,

God forgives us when we forgive too.

So we stand here as survivors, choosing light instead of dark,

Forgiving those who missed the loving mark.

For our family and friends who were not allowed to live,

We won't forget but we will truly forgive.

(Bridge)

The weight of hurt needs healing now,

We lay it down, we make this vow.

Forgiveness doesn't mean forget,

The tears and pain aren't over yet.

But it will set our spirit free,

Our hearts beat strong in unity.

God forgives us when we stumble,

So we forgive, stay kind and humble.

(Chorus)

We forgive, to let it go and to let it be,

Holding onto anger never really set us free.

We forgive, in behalf of our relatives and friends,

That is how our hearts can truly mend.

Lightens up our hearts and washes some of the hurt away,

God will forgive us when we choose to forgive today.