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The blind and toothless: A reflection on forgiveness from Rev. Eric Strachan of Pembroke. Very well stated and appropriate in the face of today's news around the world

As long as you don’t forgive, who and whatever it is will occupy a rent-free space in your mind. – ISABELLE HOLLAND

The English novelist C.S. Lewis once put the topic of ‘forgiveness’ into proper perspective: “Everybody says that forgiveness is a lovely idea,” said Lewis, and then he added a postscript, “until they have something to forgive.” How true! 

Forgiving those who have wounded us and caused us grievous injury, to quote the well-worn cliche, “is easier ‘said’ than ‘done’.“
Take some current stories that are front and centre of today’s news, put yourself in the picture, and ask the soul-searching question, “In identical circumstances, could I forgive?” 

A United States staff-sergeant, gun in hand, enters an Afghan village and goes on a shooting rampage. When the killing spree has ended in the early hours of the morning, the lone stalker has mercilessly mowed down 16 Afghans, including nine children and three women. Hamid Karzai, the president of Afghanistan, in the aftermath of the slaughter has said, “...this action is murder and terror, and an unforgivable action.” 

Go from Kandahar to a London, Ontario courtroom where the trial of Michael Rafferty, accused of the abduction, sexual assault and murder of little eight-year-old Tori Stafford is taking place. Following the graphic and gruesome evidence given by Terri-Lynne McClintic, who by self-confession inflicted the fatal blows that ended little Tori’s life, Rodney Stafford, Tori’s dad said, I “will never forgive.” 

Let me ask you, do you think you could ever forgive if you were placed in similar circumstances? In our humanity, everything within us cries out for revenge, after all, why should the guilty go free and be let off the hook while the innocent pay such an extraordinary price?

Click link below to continue reading article:
The blind and toothless - The Daily Observer - Ontario, CA

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