Just this morning I was reminded of a story I read. There was a certain young woman whose family was butchered during the genocide in Rwanda. She survived the three month journey into hell by taking refuge along with some other women in a local pastor's bathroom. There she stayed for the duration of the war, forced to listen to the brutalities being played out on the other side of her little fortress.
After the genocide was over and she began to rebuild her life she was given the opportunity to confront one of the men responsible for her families death.
Before the war this man had been a part of her families life. Taking part in celebrations and just being part of their life rhythms. Her family had been very influential in the community.
Did she rant and rave and try to hurt him as he deserved? NO!!!!! She FORGAVE him!!!! SHE FORGAVE HIM!!!!!!!! And then she simply walked away.
The man wasn't released from the consequences of his actions. He still had to "pay the piper". BUT this incredible young woman was able to go on and live a free and productive life. Life full of LIFE, joy, new family, adventure........She was able to be free from carrying the awful burden of bitterness.
What that man did to her family was NOT her responsibility to make right. It was hers to release him to God and let the One who is wisdom, love, justice, grace, mercy and holiness deal with it.
Chew on it and tell me your thoughts
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Woof, powerful. Just what The Lord's been ministering to me this week about forgiveness, "forgive them Lord for they know not what they do," God's heart. Not as easy as it sounds to get to that place. Jesus only said it at the point of being crucified. That young lady did it just after coming out of a place of death. Let us be so forgiving.
ReplyDeleteThe name of the book is LEFT TO TELL. Über inspiring!!!!! You are so right, it is so much easier said than done!
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