17 Comments
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Norm del Rosario's avatar

Mark, I’ll be reminding you closer to Halloween when it comes out. It’s a victory to hear you don’t have to hurt yourself -in any form- for forgiveness. And I’m gonna steal your phrase, it doesn’t cost anything.

Alexz's avatar

Wow! There’s a lot in there, good stuff. Congrats on the publish wish you best of luck

Norm del Rosario's avatar

I’m glad it was worth your time, Alexz. I appreciate you taking the time to read it.

Mark's avatar

Congratulations on your memoir Norm. Yes at times I felt like those women hurting myself for things that I had done and was ashamed of. Until I became a Christian I found out that I didn’t have to hurt myself for forgiveness. The Love and Forgiveness our Father Jesus Christ forgives us of all of our sins. I doesn’t cost anything. Can you believe that it’s free. YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE IN HIM!!! Hallelujah.

I’m looking forward to read your memoir Norm.

Carl Frommer's avatar

Congratulations on the upcoming publishing of your story. Speaking as a Christian it is a starkly ironic thing that our loving all mighty God who created humanity in His own image will forgive our sins if we ask Him in true faith and submission through his Son our Lord & Savior, Jesus Christ. Yet coming to terms with forgiving ourselves is a harder thing to accept than our very faith itself in a God that through our faith we are forgiven.

Norm del Rosario's avatar

Carl. As you said, it is ironic. 100 percent. In my travels, I do notice that coming to terms with forgiving ourselves is a harder thing to accept. I really ponder why? I appreciate you, sir.

Rebecca Goodall's avatar

Nice and gritty just like I like it! Can't wait to read Flip! It sound's awesome!

Norm del Rosario's avatar

I got your flavor, Rebecca.

Maggie Jon's avatar

Your friend was 100% right. We don't know, what we don't know. We did the best we could with what was given to us. Keeping that in mind helps 🙏

Norm del Rosario's avatar

I’m grateful for all the selfless sharing that occurs here. And Maggie, you’re fostering that in your work.

Maggie Jon's avatar

Thank you so much, we both do that ❤️

Georgia Clare's avatar

“Memoir becomes a mirror.” I like this thought. It means there’s a connection between the reader and the writer, and when we find that connection it helps us to feel heard and less alone.

Norm del Rosario's avatar

I feel that is the hidden sentiment of most of us on Substack. It’s genuine and we all can sense it. Georgie, I appreciate you highlighting that and reinforcing that energy.

Yomi's avatar

This is powerful!! Your writing captures the intern struggle and intense self-reflection that many people endure. The journey of self punishment to self realization is both heart breaking and inspiring. Looking forward to reading more. This will be a survival guide to lead others to the light and God.

Norm del Rosario's avatar

Yomi, I'm glad I was able to convey internal struggle that we all endure. I've learned we're all hard on ourselves in one way or the other. Tough love is good to a point. When you said it's a survival guide you gave me clarity on what I'm trying to share. Your comment helped ME!

Juan's avatar

Deep bro. Real deep. Shows the stark reality of the weight religion has on people and how heavy it can be on one’s life without analyzing its negative affects until later in life.

Norm del Rosario's avatar

Juan, as you said religion has a “weight.” It deserves analysis and any credible source should welcome any intellectual audit.