Today is Wednesday, January 3rd, 2007; Karen's Korner #968
Focus on the Family's "Ctizen" magazine has a story titled "Astonishing Grace" by Stuart Shephard. It tells about the real-life Christian forgiveness of the Amish people from Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, who had their faith tested by immeasurable amounts when a shooter killed and wounded numerous school children before taking his own life in October of last year.
Wes Yoder, who is quoted extensively in the article, said, "They are a sincere group of Christian people who decided that they don't need all of the modern conveniences. They don't need television. They don't need all the modern means of communication in order to enjoy life. In fact, they have a quality of life that is protected by not having all of that." He went on to say that for most of us, want to work through our grief before we even begin to think about forgiveness. But the Amish believe it must happen simultaneously.
And the world has been able to witness their forgiving and grieving spirits and natures, as they have been watched and interviewed. I heard it reported that there were more Amish people at the shooter's funeral than there were "normal" people. Many people have written and shared their comments with others on what they have witnessed and observed.
According to Shephard's article, perhaps the most illuminating comments came from the pen of Marie Roberts, the shooter's widow, in a note to the Amish:
“Our family wants each of you to know that we are overwhelmed by the forgiveness, grace and mercy that you've extended to us. Your love for our family has helped to provide the healing we so desperately need,” she wrote. “Your compassion has reached beyond our family, beyond our community and is changing our world, and for this we sincerely thank you.”
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