Forgiveness is an essential part of the healing journey, not because it erases the past but because it frees us from being trapped in it. True healing isn’t about forgetting what happened or pretending pain never existed—it’s about acknowledging the hurt while choosing to move forward with strength and grace. Forgiveness, whether for ourselves or others, allows us to release the weight of resentment and step into a life filled with more peace, joy, and emotional freedom. It is an act of courage, a gift we give not only to those who have wronged us but to ourselves, creating space for growth, love, and new beginnings.

In this episode, we explore the transformative power of forgiveness—both self-forgiveness and forgiving others—and how it shapes long-term happiness and joy with Rev. Lizzie McManus Dail.  Rev. Lizzie has lived all over the world with her boots now rooted in Austin, Texas, where she is living her dream as the founder of Jubilee Episcopal Church. Lizzie is passionate about the evangelism of a God who makes each of us for joy, which is why you might see her doing silly dances and talking about church history on Instagram and TikTok with her 90K followers. 

As a graduate of Mt. Holyoke College, Lizzie brought a passion for intersectional feminism and queer theology to her studies at Duke Divinity School and Seminary of the Southwest. It was her time in both Massachusetts and North Carolina that brought her into the Episcopal church, where she was ordained in 2020. While grateful for her academic formation, she still swears most things she learned about being a priest she learned from 5 plus years of working in the service industry and access to the arts in her public high school.  

Tune in!

What You Will Learn:

• [00:01] Intro and a bit about our guest today, Rev. Lizzie
• [06:50] What spirituality is and how it differs from religion 
• [09:45] Understanding forgiveness vs. reconciliation and moving on
• [17:07] Steps to seeking forgiveness: Repentance and Repair 
• [26:01] Why seeking forgiveness doesn’t invalidate pain or wrong experienced
• [27:50] Healing from past wounds without forgiveness 
• [31:24] The role of lament and repentance in the forgiveness process
• [32:27] What inspired Rev Lizzie to write about Church Hurt in her book 
• [42:52] A devotion for you if you’re struggling with forgiveness
• [52:56] Practices to cultivate a more forgiving heart
• [58:36] Setting boundaries, accountability, and taking responsibility
• [59:38] Wrap up and end of the show

Standout Quotes:

• “Saying I’m sorry is the first step, and then how can I help?” [18:47]
• “Forgiveness is not forgetting; forgiving is saying that you were in pain, and it’s not going to define you anymore.” [26:00]
• “Healing is essential, but it’s not linear, and it’s not about restoration to a mythic perfect state.” [44:51]
• “Boundaries are critically important, and so is accountability and responsibility when you make a mistake.” [59:21]

Resources Mentioned

No Future Without Forgiveness by Desmond Tutu: https://www.amazon.com/Future-Without-Forgiveness-Desmond-Tutu/dp/0385496907

Let’s Connect

Website:https://www.jubileeatx.org/staff

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rev.lizzie?lang=en

Chandler Stroud

Website: https://healingheroespodcast.com/

Mixing, editing, and show notes provided by Next Day Podcast.