The Beauty of Forgiveness

Happy National Hispanic Heritage Month!

The Book of Life caught me by surprise. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I’m glad I took a chance on this movie. It’s the story of “Manolo, a young man who is torn between fulfilling the expectations of his family and following his heart, embarks on an adventure that spans three fantastic worlds where he must face his greatest fears.”¹ 

Manolo comes from a long line of matadors, but his heart is with music and he refuses to kill the bulls. As the story goes on, Manolo finds himself in a hard situation. In order to get back to his love before Dia de Muertos is over, he must first beat all the toros that his ancestors bested and killed (who have combined to make one massive bull). Here’s what happens:

(I also recommend listening to the Spanish version of the song. It’s beautiful)

Not only does he stand his ground against killing the bull, Manolo choses another route—one of asking for forgiveness. These lyrics get me every time:

Toro, I am humbled, for tonight I understand.

Your royal blood was never meant to decorate this sand.

You have suffered great injustice, so have thousands before you.

I offer an apology, and one long overdue..

I am sorry, Toro, I am sorry, hear my song and know I sing the truth.

Although we were bred to fight, I reach for kindness in your heart tonight.

Oh and if you can forgive and if you can forgive, love can truly live…

This is my favorite scene in the movie. It is such beautiful imagery of what forgiveness can do, both for the one asking and for the one receiving. Both the bull and Manolo get peace they have longed for.

Forgiveness is a powerful gift. Maybe there’s someone you need to ask forgiveness for, maybe you need to forgive someone, or maybe it's yourself you need to forgive. Whatever the case may be, may you take the same steps as Manolo. I promise something beautiful will come from it.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." Ephesians 4:32

© 2023 Jamie Lapeyrolerie

1. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2262227/