The latest video in the "Osmond Sound Advice" series features Elizabeth Smart as she shares a powerful message about the role forgiveness can play in survival. At age 14, Smart was taken from her home and held captive for nine months. Since then, she has worked as an activist against sexual assault and abuse and has shared how faith and family helped in her recovery.
In this brief, captivating video, Smart shared a unique perspective on forgiveness.
“I grew up thinking forgiveness was very much a two-way street, but I don’t believe that at all anymore. I believe forgiveness is quite possibly the greatest expression of self-love you can give yourself,” Smart says.
Smart encouraged people not to shy away from accepting the title of survivor.
“Being a survivor I don’t think is a bad thing; in fact, I think it is quite the opposite. That is a title of strength. I believe it is a title of power. You went through something and you came out the other side. You did not give in. You did not give up. You kept going. You kept on fighting. You kept on working. I’m perfectly happy to go by the title of survivor because to me that is a very powerful name,” says Smart.
Featured image: Facebook video screenshot.
Elizabeth Smart follows up her #1 New York Times bestseller (October 2013), My Story—about being held in captivity as a teenager, and how she managed to survive—with a powerful and inspiring book about what it takes to overcome trauma, find the strength to move on, and reclaim one’s life. Where There's Hope is available now at DeseretBook.com.
