Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Forgiveness

On October 2, 2006, five girls ranging in age from 6-13, were murdered by a deranged man who committed suicide. The girls were all shot execution-style in one of the country’s most tragic events. What was most amazing about this horrible tragedy was the response of the Amish community where the shooting took place. Within 24 hours, the people of the community had put out a statement offering forgiveness to the shooter and reaching out to shooter’s family to offer comfort and aid. What an amazing example! They did correctly note that the shooting does not pardon the act itself, nor could the tragedy be undone. But the courage of the Amish people in this community to step up and offer forgiveness. No one would have blamed them for expressing outrage at the shooter. But they offered forgiveness and offered comfort to the shooter’s family. I know if I were in the position of the Amish people, my reaction would have been far different. In the midst of unimaginable grief, they offered forgiveness. Why do I write this? I have no one that I need to forgive for past wrongs. But the reaction of the Amish people has always amazed me. Perhaps we can adopt the attitude of the Amish people, and through forgiveness begin the process of healing and restore hope.

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