Non-violent Conflict Resolution through Forgiveness

Breaking the Cycle Blog

Feeling inspired about Breaking the Cycle? Find your assembly and leave a comment!

Bishop Challoner, Tower Hamlets

30 September 2009

Hello Bishop Challoner. Let us know what you thought was important in today’s assembly. If you have a question for Nathan or Kim - don’t hesitate to ask. Like Nathan said, your life is the most valuable, irreplaceable thing you will ever have, so make the most positive effect you can on those around you. Regardless of the situations you may find yourself in, it is up to you to choose between the positive and negative response. Best wishes to all the 6th Form and yr 8 boys!

annonymus said:
i really felt for nathan..as he said ive always wanted to know how it felt to loose someone, to go through grief because it was the only way i could say the situation was out of my hands and i could not do anything to help. Being so vounarable and looking for love in every possible way with everyone hurting you makes you think in a certain way. The people that you onced loved that hurt you, you cant do anything about it even if they existed so i wish they had died so it will put my mind at rest and i could put my hands up n say...i could not have done anything more. However i didnt loose anybody. My dad was never around from when i was little, he'll stay for about 6 months - 1 year and then leave to go back to Africa. Once i did not see him for four years straight and only had phone calls ocassionally, i began to forget who my dad was until he popped up one day as a suprise. Presently he doesnt act like a dad. He's been gone for a year and has not supported me in anyway i can think about, its like i have a dead dad. thinking of what i heard today made me realise that although he has made mistakes i can't just forget he is my dad. And all the people that have hurt me that i have tried to forget about i still miss or part of me still loves. Im a very stubborn person and i hold grudges. I have lernt that it is important to forgive and let these grudges go as it may to late like kim and he's dad. I think the assembly was very touching. Ive never thought my life was valuable or precious until today as i have faced many problems. But one question nathan how did u cope, even when people close (not as close as my sister) dies i cant explain how i feel.

annonymus said:
I was actually inspired especially by nathan. you will probably remember me by 'thank you, i could tell that you were really listening hard' as i am inspired by your work and the courage you have to forgive i wondered if there was anything i could help you with, things like events, giving out leaflets, its really interesting to do these thing and pick up alot along the way. it has really tought me something and made me understand myself better. it has also made me realise the my life 'is' valuable P.s - i commented the above

Kim Comer from Breaking the Cycle said:

Thank you for making the effort to write down your thoughts about the assembly. I know all too well that it is not easy to express your feelings about your father and your relationship with him. Hold onto the part of you that still loves him no matter what. The easier path is to hold onto grudges and break off relationships. The harder way is to try to forgive and stick by someone you love no matter what they do. It means a lot to me that you want to hold onto that relationship and respect him as your father even if you are angry or frustrated about his behaviour.

See all 5 comments
Add your comment to Bishop Challoner, Tower Hamlets

Bishop Challoner, Tower Hamlets

23 September 2009

It was a pleasure to meet all you year 7 boys and girls at Bishop Challoner. As Glenn said, “You get out of life what you put into it.” The respect and interest you showed during the presentation was to your credit.

We’d love to hear from any of you – either a question of comment regarding what you heard today. Kim and Glenn will answer your questions directly.

Jack said:
I am Jack. You visited my school Bishop Challoner Boys on the 23/09/09. I have read the book 'Why Forgive' and thought that it was brilliant. I have a question for you: If you had known your father during your childhood, where do you think you would be now? Thank you for taking the time to read this and please get back to me.

Kim Comer from Breaking the Cycle said:

That's a very good question, Jack, and one that I have asked myself many times. It's very hard to find an answer. I'm sure my life would have been different and in many ways happier if I could have a had a relationship with my father. On the other hand, I am the person that I am today because of ALL the things that I have experienced - the good and the bad. So, it's no good going back and dreaming about what might have been. The more important question for me now is: How can I turn that negative experience into something positive for myself and others? And one answer for me has been the chance to meet young people like you and encourage you to choose forgiveness as the way to cope with the hard things in life. It was great to meet you and your classmates today.

Glenn Fielder from Breaking the Cycle said:

Hi to everybody at Bishop Challoner School. I would just like to say what a wonderful and attentive audience you all were, one of the best we`ve been at. You were a credit to your school. Remember, that every one of you is a remarkable, and very unique individual, with your own personal talents in life. That’s why you must, learn to use them. Then you will be a credit to yourself, and everyone around you. Always remember, you take out of life, what you put in to it.

See all 10 comments
Add your comment to Bishop Challoner, Tower Hamlets

Barking Abbey Lower School

14 September 2009

Thank you to all the students at Barking Abbey today. The interest and respect you showed was very much appreciated. As Glenn told you, each one of you is a special, unique, individual unlike anyone else.

You have your life ahead of you, and by choosing the positive path, you will have an important effect on your friends, family, community and country. All our best wishes for your new school year, and futures. We’d love to hear from any of you what was on your mind after hearing what John and Glenn had to say.

Be the first to comment on Barking Abbey Lower School

King’s Wood, Havering

10 July 2009

Forgiveness is not an easy choice, but one that will help keep you on a positive path in life. It was good to be back in your school, once again we felt very welcome. Hopefully the stories you heard from Kim and Mary, although sad, gave you something to think about and encouraged you to find someone you can trust to share your troubles with.

We wish you all the best for the last week of school and a happy, safe summer. Please do let us know what you thought about the assembly, or how it might be relevant to your life.

Be the first to comment on King’s Wood, Havering

Abbs Cross, Havering

7 July 2009

“There is always a light shining brightly at the end of even the darkest of tunnels” …Glenn’s triumph over debilitating physical injury, bitterness, disappointment and anger is an inspiring story. Each of you in the audience today also have or will have dark tunnels to pass through in life, but by choosing to stay on the positive path rather than let the negative control your actions, you will come through those tunnels and live a life of quality.