TO FORGIVE, DIVINE
After the horrendous killings of five Amish young girls in Georgetown, Pa., my heart ached for the families of the slain children. It was an unconscionable act committed by a very disturbed man, and I wondered why God would bring such public pain into the private lives of those so devoted to Him.
I was angry, and couldn't understand why Charles Roberts didn't just kill himself instead of taking the lives of those innocent children, too.
Then I read how thousands of dollars were being sent to the Amish community. In the next paragraph, I read Amish leaders had set up a fund from that money for the killer's widow and his children.
And it hit me. It was pure and simple.
God used those "who so trust in Him" to edify the simple act of forgiveness.
But, if it had happened to any one of us, could we forgive? I'm not so sure I'd be such a divine example.
posted by Diana at 10:20 AM
10 Comments:
Diana,
One of my favorite places to go when the children where growing up, was to Lancaster, the Amish communities. We loved it so much and would always bring literature home, that my sister-in-law and husband choose that as the area that they wanted to retire too, and so they did.
They were right in the midst of the Amish and right across the highway from one of the schools. They quickly became a part of the families and when we would visit, it was always a calming feeling.
Could I forgive as the Amish families did, the person that so viciously took away their young daughters, No, I couldn't. There was no rhyme or reason for what he did that day. Could I mourn also for his family, Yes, they could not know what was inside of this man.
Can we understand how our God could let this happen, No...but I do believe that everything happens for a reason, and maybe its up to us to find out what that might be.
Barbara Reid
I think it is ironic that, reportedly,in the schoolhouse there was a hand-hewn sign that read: "Visitors bring joy". That is the essence of the innocent, simple nature of the Amish and explains their trusting and forgiving nature. Personally, I could forgive..but never forget.
It is really difficult to forgive others for real and imagined slights,so the magnitude actions of the Amish is astounding. They are really praying and living the "Our Father". That prayer is for Jews, Christians, Moslems , and unbelievers .
As a general rule, my family's culture is pretty easygoing, but no, I don't think we'd be so forgiving... my mom's sister was killed by the Japanese during WWII and she still won't buy a Japanese car.
Diana,
You should know by now that any time you use the words "religion" and "rational" in the same sentence, you're composing a sentence that doesn't scan.
AN EYE FOR AN EYE.
What is there to do if the Killer has also killed themselves ? Do we go after family members who are innocent and also suffering ? I hope not.
On the other hand, there are killers who torture and mutilate the victims.
These , I would find difficult to forgive, no matter the motive.
I could not easily forgive someone who committed such a horrendous act, although I know it is the Chrisitian thing to do. I would have to spend a great deal of time speaking with a priest or other clergyman to do that. Let's hope that we can all learn from their experience.
I cannot forgive so easily. Fortunately,I've not been put upon or offended by anyone in this life thus far.I trust I've not offended anyone either.
If we "turn the other cheek" as they say in the Christian sense,then we risk the chance of having two sore cheeks.
What evil lurked in the core of this Mr. Roberts causing him to inflict such torment upon such decent,hard-working and peace-loving people?
I hope one day,medical science will have an answer and will be able to prevent such heinous acts.
The killing of the Amish children has me very disturbed. I told my daughter I almost feel like the world is coming to an end when something like that can happen to those gentle peaceful people who never bother or harm anyone.
To me it is remarkable that they can be so forgiving in light of what happened to those poor little girls. I don't think I could be as forgiving as they are.
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