Today marks the seventh anniversary of a dark day in the quiet community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. Early in the morning of October 2nd 2007, in the heart of peaceable Amish country, a local husband and father of two entered a one-room schoolhouse and murdered five innocent little girls before killing himself. The reasons for his act of terrorism were a mystery, although he left a letter for his widow which named his anger at God for the death of a child as part of what motivated him.
The story was well known because of the tragic nature of what unfolded, but it took on another dimension when the Amish community chose to forgive the murderer. Some even attended his funeral. There is an excellent book called Amish Grace which examines the Amish commitment to forgiveness, and thee is a DVD study which includes what happened as an example of one approach to forgiveness and reconciliation.
Now Marie Monville, the widow of the murderer, has written a book about living in the aftermath of such an unspeakable crime. Her personal faith and the support of many, including Amish neighbours has allowed her to build a new life, one with filled with hope and meaning despite her loss and the shame of association with a mass murderer. The book is called One Light Still Shines: My Life Beyond the Shadow of the Amish Schoolhouse Shooting.
Do you remember this crime and your reaction? Did you wonder about the Amish community extending forgiveness to the murderer? Would you read Marie Monville's book?
Given that the Amish are a tight - knit community, based on Christian principles, I am not surprised that they offered forgiveness, even after 5 of their young were slaughtered. It takes a huge heart, and a huge faith, to be able to do this... Grace, indeed! Not sure I could read the book - Reliving and revisiting tragic events is difficult, even if it shows a path to forgiveness and reconciliation - especially where children are involved.
ReplyDeleteForgivness is a huge issue. We seem to judge all people who do evil dees as simply that evil and judge them and convict them before the justice system does. yes this man did unspeakable acts and caused unspeakable grief on one community. but his wife gets judged by others for his acts the amish were the only true christian in this. i will read the book and maybe learn something from it. its a personal choice
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