The power of forgiveness | Sammy Rangel | TEDxDanubia
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 25 ก.ย. 2024
- "We do not have to be victims of our own stories...but interestingly enough stories are a way out [our suffering]. We hold the power to change our story."
Sammy Rangel ended his ted talk leaving the stage with a standing ovation. He shared some stories of his childhood which was filled with so much abuse and neglect that it's hard not to empathize with story of what lead him to a 7 year prison sentence in solitary confinement.
Sammy is the founder of Formers Anonymous, a self-help group for criminals and addicts who are looking for support on how to change and recover from their addictive behavior. His story is extraordinary - being a victim of childhood physical, mental and sexual abuse, he lived most of his juvenile life as a homeless throwaway child, who very quickly encountered drugs, crime, sex, and violence in the street. He has enhanced his credibility by overcoming addiction and recovering from a life of gangs, violence and maximum-security prison to become a college-graduate, a street-savvy counselor, a mentor and now a father of four. Having graduated with Presidential honours and Summa Cum Laude, Sammy holds a Master of Social Work Degree and has earned several awards. His autobiographical book, FOURBEARS: The Myths of Forgiveness is not simply a graphically illustrated memoir, but also a ‘manual’, as it goes in depth concerning the steps it takes to forgive, change and recover.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx
I never heard of this man but what struck me about him was that not once..not once did he try to make a joke or entertain anyone or lighten the subject as some speak of their past suffering. He speaks humbly and seriously. I respect that.
thank you Vox...I appreciate that
Sammy Rangel you're story has touch me so much I can't even say! I've been holding anger and resentment against my mother and I now is time to forgive and free myself but I don't know how. Came across your story looking for that thing that would help me do it and after a few minutes into you're story I felt ashamed and like a cry baby thinking if you were able to forgive after all that which is unthinkable to me how can I not? Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you a life full of happiness and love. 💖
Same.. i just found it weird that when he presented himswlf and warned his life story was nothing nice, a big portion of the audience laughed or smiled when they applaud..
Guess they are too used to people joking and stuff..
Strongest life story i heard lately..
Incredible man going through all this and still come out a better man
Llllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll
@@SammyRangel thank you for sharing this difficult and traumatising story. Your life experiences are simply empowering that you are standing on stage Infront of thousands/millions inspiring us all. I have come from a seriously abusive childhood and I have been doing everything to find myself. I have built myself up and now I am strong enough to forgive. Your comment of "Have you ever done to others what your mum had done to you" hit home. I maybe haven't to the same extreme extents but I have hurt because of my hurt. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for bringing yourself, your wisdom, your being into my life. I am grateful for you and I am proud of you. ❤️🙏✨
Criminals aren't criminals, they are broken children.
I appreciate your perspective.
Indeed
"The things that held you down will one day hold you up."
Beautiful!
"When a man is rejected even from prison, where is there left to go?"
I am humbled by this beautiful, luminous soul.
I cried the second his eyes teared up. He is a beautiful example of human strength and courage.
Mine still do too
i love you sammy, and i admire you, little angel..
me too
Sammy I wish I could hug you as a mother. You chose to overcome all that abuse and become a better man. This mama sends you a bear hug, like the ones you deserved when you were little. ❤️️❤️️❤️️
Nadja, Rest assured I feel the hug...I have many mothers now...this community is my mother....I welcome you into my life....
Now that’s just all kinds of beautiful…
Can I have one too? I don't feel like anyone loves me, and I have so many enemies 😣
@@surprisesofjoyfulness8147 sending you a big loving hug my friend !! If you haven’t heard it today i love you and am proud of all the obstacles you have overcame to be here today.
@@SammyRangel I'm so proud of you I love you and thank you for inspiring me to keep trying to do better and never give up 💫
wow and then i thought i had a difficult life - bro i m starting to forgive everything that happened to me , strong man you are very inspiring ! congrats :)
Our lives and experiences are equally relative. And starting this process is as hard as it will ever be...so that step is most important
Tons of respect to Mr. Rangel for openly sharing his stories of extreme childhood abuse and what it led to in his early life. For him to focus on forgiveness, considering his circumstances, is miraculous. Nothing but the best wishes for a long and happy future for this man. He certainly deserves it!
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THank you James...feel free to connect with me on Facebook...or Twitter...I'd also like to hear how you came about finding it
Sammy I strongly recommend you try the taoist inner dissolving meditation taught by BK Frantzis, it has helped me alot with my ptsd. God bless
dpc107 I am open to that.
james lachs thank you so much for your support. It means so much. I hope we connect.
Wow, what a story! If this man can recover and forgive, we all can.
Allen Lap thank you so much Allen.
Was locked up in the psych ward and on the day i started to open up in front of everyone, my psychiatrist had me sit in the front row of our facility and we all watched this together. Talking afterwards was hard. Been a calm person since that day. I watch this couple times a year to remind myself it's okay to not feel loved because i love myself.
By the end of the talk I wanted to hug this man so bad
I accept. Anytime.
Still in my prayers brother ❤
I am grateful.
Respect brother. Your story breaks my heart. When i look at you, i see a kind, gentle and loving man. There must be a rich reward for you in this life or the next...Blessings and hugs
I truly hope he gets the best life possible in the next one cuz he payed his dues for eternity.
Thank you Tim...Although life isnt easy now...I live a good llife. I invite you to connect with me on FAcebook...tell me a bit about yourself
This person is a true blessing. He truly shows us how important self-thinking, empathy and understanding our brain is. In the early days of our lives, we are influenced a lot by the people around us. We need to make sure that we raise our children with skepticism, wisdom, self-thinking and most of all forgiveness. Karma works a bit differently I think. Most us will probably get eaten by maggots (other life). Of course, flames, because burning is also energy and dust is also part of life. Everything around us is one energy, But were all linked to one another. If we die, then life has consumed us through other life, hence birth? More baby maggots probably! We are no different from animals. I do not believe in god because I know the present and base my thinking on forgiveness, a warm heart, the progression of people, truth and hope. Even if the world shows us horrible things. If there was a god? Then how come the world is so blind, naive, and busy with their cell phones? Because they get distracted by others people's belief systems and they hold it as truth. Every belief system is our enemy because it blindfolds us from reality.
PS,
This is just my understanding.
Not here to educate you just trying to find a bridge between believers and disbelievers so we self can choose what we want to know, experience and believe.
Greets from a skeptic citizen of The Netherlands and the World,
Jorn
Niemand what a thoughtful and thought provoking response. I welcome your perspective and thoughts and interpretations.
Much love and respect to you as well. Find me on fb or other social media if you'd like.
What a courageous display! Cycles are not personal and can be broken. Self-awareness and self-worth are a practice. Thank you so much for sharing. My own story is not as traumatic as the one you tell, but it was pretty shitty and it took me years to stop feeling like and playing the victim. What people don't realize is those who play the victim aren't out to hurt them. They honestly just feel they aren't worth good things and that bad things are always a moment away. It's what we are often taught. We need more people like you to bravely take that journey into self-reflection and find out who they are. I cried so hard watching this and was so amazingly touched.
Forgiveness is so hard on many levels, it is sneaky...when you think you have finally forgiven those mean, heartless people, then something comes up to remind you of the hurt and pain, and you have to work on forgiveness all over again, and I am 57...still working on it!
Maritha G it is a lifelong journey my friend
I just feel some things are unforgivable
Callum you forgive to be released from the anger and hate - you forgive for you, not them...doesn't mean you forget, though...
Maritha G
Have u found forgiveness yet
Maritha G this is true were born with JUSTICE a GOD Given personal touch forgiveness is so hard when there is no REPENTANCE from the wicked one.
Wow. Just wow. This is what I needed. How does this not have more views? I looked up Forgiveness Ted Talks and watched three mediocre talks before finding this life-changing video. I am definitely buying his book.
I know right? That´s Just what I thought.
One of the best speaker ive ever heard. Speaking from his heart to us.
Thank you
Wow, that was exceptionally powerful. It requires so much courage to tell your story. I'm glad you told me about your TED Talk the other night with my brother. Till we meet again thanks for the great conversation.
KIT my friend.
Wow this guys story broke me! I thought my childhood was bad!! I broke down crying watching this as I related my life with his and Sammy is so much stronger then me about it all, its such a massive lesson to learn and just watching this really helps me learn how to deal with my past. A lot of people don't make it as far as has. To tell your story on Ted Talk is hard enough but that was just amazing! I am lost for words! thanks Sammy for one of the most important messages I think I have ever seen on Ted.
Anton...coming from you means a lot. I can only imagine what you have been through to as well....I appreciate your support more than you can know...Find me on facebook if you like...id like to know more about you
100% with you my friend!
Thank you Sammy for your story it was so powerful because I can relate with you. I love that part at the end that made me cry was “ Remember the things that had put you down are the things that will hold you up!”
MrParadise My thoughts exactly.
bye
You have been transformed from a broken empty shell into a beautiful soul.
We are all in this together Sammy. The power of consciousness is the truth and the love.
one of the most powerful talks i have ever heard. thank you for sharing.
truly my honor. and in honor of my brother.
Jesus freaking Christ, this is rough. Man, you have the strength of 1000 men man, I can't believe how you survived this.
Chara thank you so much. Find me on fb or twitter if you'd like to talk more
Sammy Rangel thanks man, I will try and keep being awesome!
@@SammyRangel I would love to help you out in some way if there is something small i Can do, I learned so much from your pain and suffering and your desire to overcome your past hurts
Standing ovation well deserved. 👏 👏 👏
Forgiveness is not a flaw...but sometimes you need a brave person to remind you of that. Thank you Sammy.
🙏
Forgiveness is not a flaw...well said.
Forgive and Love your enemies because You are your worst Enemy.
Amen. Continuing to harbor anger, bitterness, resentment, grudges, etc., is easy. Strength is when you forgive. It isn't so much for the person/s who wronged you, as it is for yourself, because you are giving yourself permission to detach from your enemy. You are denying them any further power over you. They will still pay for what they did. No, it won't change the past, but neither will continuing to harbor the negative energy.
the is a true statement in my book
Because it's not our reckoning/retribution/revenge/vengeance to take. Only God/karma has that authority/right.
This Comment does not make sense!?
No u
It was extremely difficult to hear about the way you were treated as an innocent child, it broke my heart. You have enormous strength for sharing your story, and promoting love over hate, pain and anger. I Can't imagine this being easy to share such personal and painful experiences. I commend you for your love and inspiration to others
For me and my brother it was necessary. What ever we had to endure to get here was worth it
Speechless
Thank you Samir
“What holds you down will some day hold you up.” Beautiful example of redemption, forgiveness & healing. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your support
Can't stop crying.....This guy is an amazing example of a Human Being...
Thank you Mathew...
Dear mr Rangel, today I looked for this lecture. With my son we watched it. Very incouraging. Thank you. Today is the second Passover for Jews. This means that everyone who did not have a chance to celebrate passver - had a second chance to correct...to become pure and connect to the higher divine to a beter person to a beter life. I think often about this lecture and spread the massage that everything depends on the person, how to deal with fear anger love joy etc. I wish you FREEDOM and JOY with God blessing voor redemption in every aspect of that, God bless you, From the Netherlands big hug
Sararivka Levi, thank you. Your message was a welcome one. Reading about the meaning of the second Passover in your message made me think of the people who also did get a chance but who can have one now to live life in a new way. What an interesting tradition or practice. Thank you for sharing.
This is a heck of a story, my childhood doesn't even begin to compare. It's powerful that you chose to forgive after all that.
I have had good teachers and much support like this...
One word : UNBELIEVABLE😢
IKR
Unbelievable, that you emerged healed, I had no idea such cruelty exists, good luck to you my friend.
Thank you Sol
I NEEDED this, I NEEDED you to deliver this message to me, right now, today.
Thank you so much!
You are an amazing, yet humble man❤
@tina I am so glad you found this and me. I am easy to find if you want to connect.
One of, if not THE most moving TED talks I've seen. Kudos to you Sir for finding your true self again despite the horror of your life. Thank you for your incredible braveness in sharing. May peace be upon you.
What are hero’s? People like you.
Not a hero, but a necessary part of life.
When we think we have it bad, someone has it worse. I’m so sorry for what you’ve been through 😢, no innocent child deserves the abuse you went through. This is so heartbreaking in so many levels and that is an understatement. Forgiveness takes courage and you were brave. So thank you for sharing your life’s journey so bravely.
Thank you cberg. I wouldnt want to do it again but I would change anything because I love who I am becoming.
A great change ....A great speech...and now a great human
I struggle with my demons daily, many times pummeling myself for not being able to stop pummeling myself. You story gives me the hope that day might actually come. Thank you
We all struggle daily with those demons Czharcus...that cannot be avoided...it is "how" we struggle that makes the difference...find me on social media...id like to help if I can
“You have the power to change your stories”! Very powerful and true. Than you Sammy, from your pain you taught us a valuable lesson!
I continue to learn.
The strength in this one man alone is amazing ❤ i pray that God lifts his spirits & uses him to deliver others of their burdens as well !!
Stories like this help us see the humanity in every single human being. Thank you for sharing.
Sammy, your story changed my life about 5 years ago when I watched it. Since then, I have seen it many more times and have shared it with so many people & clients (I am a counselor). You are a guiding light and proof that anyone can heal, forgive & get to the other side. I am so grateful for your bravery to share your story, for the brutal honesty and the mission you now carry out to the world. You are an inspiration!
if you want to connect we can. I could always join a video conference or a call with your group.
Sammy God bless you
I love you, @SammyRangel. Thank you for showing that strength!
"Remember, the things that once held you down, will one day be what hold you up"
Thank you, Sammy. I keep coming back to this talk. I share it with the men in my course on Nonviolent Communication at Racine Correctional Institution. Thank you for the gift of your story.
My honor and thank you.
This is the most powerful and eloquently told real story. These 21:07 minutes mean so much. You are a great gift from the Universe to this world. I thank you from the bottom of my heart Sammy.
Thank you so much H2. This typeof support makes it even more meaningful. Find me on social media if you like...id like to hear more about you and from you
God Bless this man..God DID bless him to help others..
Thank you Valerie.
It takes a strong person to forgive. God bless him.
Thank you so much Ysabel
Wow ,such lovely person strong and brave, God bless you 🙏🫶🙏🫶🙏🫶🙏🫶🙏🫶🙏🫶🙏🫶🙏🫶
I am. Thank you
Wow! I'm pretty sure this is the most open, emotional, inspiring and life changing talk I have ever heard. Thank you for your courage to share this story with the world. Your story is changing many, many lives today. God Bless you!!
I am moved by this Dana. Thank you
Everybody is commenting on how strong Sammy is. True to the bone. But let's just pause for a moment and commend the counsellor. He must be a true God-sent instrument - to bring light and illumination to these hurt souls.
I have a deeper appreciation of life after watching this video. A more empathetic view on the world. And after knowing Sammy personally/professionally... I know that if he has the power to forgive... So do I, so do we...
Above all else, to each their own.
Thank you for sharing Sammy.
Michael Zerzycki I appreciate you, appreciating this video out of appreciation for appreciation
Respect for your honesty Sammy. May the love in your heart give you immense strength.
I use this to face the adversity of today while finding a way to find peace in the midst of it all. Thank you
things like these makes me want to continue living in this wretched world. What power!! powerful than nature itself
You did the right thing! Forgiveness is not for those who have done you wrong. It's for you the victim. It's to set you free so you can live a happy life. Best wishes!
Well said Tricia.
Just incredible the bravery of this man. I applaud him. God bless you Sammy.
Thank you Gaye. Sincerely
I hope you speak at various platforms because your testimony is powerful. We do hold the power to change our story.
God bless you always.
I am always looking to spread the message.
I can't believe 8 watched the whole video but it was totally worth it, He is the meaning of strength and Courage 👏👏
Thank you Jamilly.
What amazing strength of character you have.
Thank you Friskey
What a beautiful man! Strong mentally and physically.
Working towards that daily.
You are an incredible man! I needed this.
Sometimes separation from people makes "forgiving and forgetting" possible
absolutely...
Blessed soul
What an amazing testimony of survival,I find it miraculous that someone can survive a childhoodlike this,he really is a beacon of hope to many,amazing.
Sammy thank you, for sharing your life, your an amazing Man.. God bless you.
Thank you Rita
What an amazing story of survival, strength, and the power behind forgiveness!!! MAY GOD ALWAYS BLESS YOU SAMMY!!!
Beleive it or not all of that was a blessing in hindsight...the work I do, the people I help, the palces I can go into and come back out of now...
FInd me on FB Rudy
Bless you Sammy. Bless you and praise you for speaking about this. That entire audience saw Tolu for the hurt and abused child inside you and did not judge your actions but understood that it was the way you were treated and if you were not shown love how could you love??I realize people in jail and who abuse and hurt are just expressing their pain in the ways they have been taught. Thank you for sharing this and I hope your future finds nothing but happiness and love that you deserve. In sharing your story we will understand those in jail more and not judge them but help them as they need our love and also counselling and therapy.
Talia, what a powerful message you bring here of compassion and empathy...thank you so much
I've never met you, but I love you, Sammy! I have donated and hope that your project and your personal life will be filled with achievements. Peace!
What an exceptional testament to the soul Mr. Rangel is. He is has transcended his story and transmuted his suffering into pure gold. His last words of this talk pierces the heart and speaks to the meaning of life. God bless him eternally.
Thank you so much for the kind words...It is something we can all model and manifest
amazing! I used this talk as a start for one of my group sessions. It was an emotional experience. I admire his courage to tell the story and his tenacity to move on from it.
Thank you for helping spreading this message.
i come from the same childhood, could never forgive, never forget.
this man is a role model for all people who suffer(ed) from abuse.
from this Tedtalk i now know: you never walk alone!
bless you, Sammy Rangel ♥
stay on the right side of the track man!
grtz from Holland EU.
I walk with you too
@@SammyRangel thank you Sammy, stay healthy and take care,
This was one of the most disturbing stories of child abuse I’ve ever heard. I’m so sorry that this happened to this man. If you are extremely sensitive, do not listen to it.
I think it’s important to hear so maybe people try to adopt kids or pay more attention to if they might be being abused.
My God, what an inspiration! I feel like he who had been hurt that immensely in his own past is surprisingly one who seems the most humble and down-to-earth. I truly look up to this man. Thank you Sammy for this moving talk!
Thank you for sharing your story! 😢 You are incredibly courageous! God bless you!
thank you too
Very powerful. I am sobbing like a baby.
Yes I can understand bro
As a mother I can't imagine hurting my child and letting anyone get away abusing my child. Your a true child of God. GOD Bless you Sam.
Thank you Cora
The most powerful talk I've seen... Brother you are incredible. Respect, love... But over all, thank u!!!
Thank you Martin...spread the message
An amazing and inspiring show of courage!
I really have no words to Say. What a great man. The people WE must admire those who suffered the worse and still had the Heart to forgive.
Damn... That was powerful.
Very strong, very wise man.
Damn I'm blessed. Thank you for always being stronger than murder
The story of Redemption. Powerful beyond measure. Thank you for the hope and light and power placed on a hill top to help the lost find their way, Mr. Rangel.
So touching, so inspiring...I cried. Thank you so much for sharing your story Sammy, you're an inspiration. May God bless you
Wow. So hard to hear how you suffered. And the effects it had. And tears of joy at how your life has changed . So very brave. Thanks for sharing
Thank you too.
There is so much beauty that came of this story, despite it being horrendous on many levels. What a beautiful soul. Not many people come to his realization as he has.
I have had good teachers come into my life to help me get here.
You are so strong, man! I feel you! Everything gonna be fine. I wish I could hug you.
Hugs welcome and returned . Thank you
Thank you. I cannot tell you what your story has meant for me and how healing it is.
If you'd like to connect please find me on FB...id like to know more
You are a wise man
Oh my gosh. This brings tears to my eyes. This poor child. All of his siblings. He don't understand how teachers or neighbors were not aware and nobody helped him.
In tears!! Thank you so much 💪🏽
If u can watch this without shedding a tear then your heart chakra must be blocked! If he can get through all this and still be a good person there is hope for the world xxx
I love your perspective Chloe...it is true there is hope for the world...we are all living proof of that
Beyond tears. Thank you for sharing your story. Powerful.
Sara Hoepner .
My heart aches for you Sammy...aches.
Victoria...if you only knew how blessed I am now...
I started crying during the middle of the video. I’m truly inspired by the story he shared even when he suffer from a lot of abuse and neglect in his childhood. I started to learn to forgive those who hurt me even when family members and friends.
I wish you a safe journey my friend on your path to healing
Omg you are so so valuable thank you for sharing. My heart is soft for you.
This is the most inspiring Ted Talk i have ever seen. Thank you for sharing. ❤
Catherine Mueller thank you so much
@@SammyRangel thank you so much for this. May God bless you. You have changed me
Just no words to comment. This is EXCELLENT lesson of our lives.
thank you Muneesh
Sammy thank you for sharing such a great story. you are a fighter, I am so sorry that you had to go through a lot to understand the purpose of life. I wish you all the best in fighting the abuses that are ruining our homes and society. love from India.
Thank you sir for your inspiring story. God bless you
Thank you Sister Daisy
A lot of respect to you. I am amazed to see this courage and this change in a person and the selflessness it takes to make past wounds open again just so that someone can learn from it
Thank you Charu....its means everything
Wowowowow! What an incredible story. Thank you Tommy Rangel for being compassionate enough to share the pain of your story to help others.