Tammi's World

Courage and Forgiveness

I wasn't going to do anymore posting on the Amish School Shooting. I figure I've shared what I can about who They are (from my perspective) and anything else that is said is just so much hot air.

But last night kind of changed that. While having a conversation with Cuz I ran across this over at Florida Cracker. I followed the link to the story and started reading. I got half way through and the tears were pouring.

Not just for the tragedy, which it is. No, as I read the list the names popped out at me.

Stoltzfus, Ebersole, Miller. All names of my family. All names of the only past I know.

My Aunts, my Uncles. My cousins and their children. My classmates at Goshen College. My past.

And to read of the courage shown. Little Marian Fisher asking to be shot first, in the hope of saving the others. Her little sister, Barbie, asking to be second. 13 and 11 years old. That's more courage than I've seen in most adults. That's more courage than I think I have.

I mentioned in my Amish 101 post, the crux of the Amish faith is forgiveness. I can hear them in their prayer services and homes discussing how important it is to forgive this man. This man that many had had in their homes, this man that was a part of their community. How this is an opportunity for their faith to shine. The chance to show the world that God's love and forgiveness over comes everything.

Even being as close as I am, I am amazed at what I've read. What I've heard. And, as much as it goes against all that these amazing people stand for, I'm proud. I'm so proud of all they are and the lessons they are teaching by just being who they are. By living their faith.

And it makes me wonder. Am I living up to the incredible heritage they have passed on?

Posted by Tammi at October 8, 2006 09:16 AM | TrackBack