Letting It Go: The Journey From Tragedy to Forgiveness

There are moments in life that shake you to your core, moments that feel unbearable and impossible to move past. But it is in those moments—when everything seems lost—that the power of forgiveness and connection can truly transform a life.

Recently, I had the privilege to sit down with my good friend Chris Williams, whose story is nothing short of remarkable. He’s the author of Let It Go, a book born out of unimaginable grief and pain, but also one filled with hope, healing, and the profound gift of forgiveness.

Chris has experienced what most of us can hardly imagine—a tragic crash that took the lives of his wife, unborn child, and two of his children. Yet rather than being consumed by bitterness, Chris chose a different path, one that I believe all of us can learn from.

The first lesson I took from our conversation is about control. So much of our suffering comes from desperately trying to wield control over things that simply aren’t in our hands. Chris talks about the deliberate choice to “let it go,” to release anger and pain that could only trap him in continued suffering. Forgiveness was not easy—it was painful and ongoing—but it was freeing. It’s about focusing on what we can do and surrendering the rest.

Another powerful takeaway is how forgiveness is an act of self-love and healing. Often we think forgiveness is about the other person, but Chris reminds us that it’s a gift we give ourselves. It clears the way for peace to enter our hearts. He calls it one of the most gloriously selfish things you can do—and I couldn’t agree more.

Lastly, the importance of connection cannot be overstated. Through family, friends, faith, and community, healing becomes possible. Chris shares how even small acts—a pie from a friend, a church community’s presence, the shared silence of loved ones—became his lifeline. Healing is deeply relational.

If you’re holding onto pain or resentment today, know that letting it go is not about forgetting what happened or excusing wrongs. It’s about making a conscious choice to stop carrying the weight of that pain daily. One simple step you can take is to write down what you are struggling to release, recognize what you can control, and give yourself permission to set down the rest.

Chris’s story is a testament to the incredible power of forgiveness, faith, and connection. It’s a reminder that even after the darkest nights, grace can lead us to new beginnings.