“In the final analysis, the questions of why bad things happen to good people transmutes itself into some very different questions, no longer asking why something happened, but asking how we will respond, what we intend to do now that it happened.” —Harold S. Kushner

Like you, I was shocked at the events in Lancaster County. It seems impossible to understand how or why this happened.

It is even more difficult to imagine what the Amish community is experiencing.

And I am in awe at their response.

Would I be able to forgive someone who injured my pet, let alone traumatized and killed my child?

Would you?

Perhaps in months... or years...

But days after?

DAYS?

Yesterday, a representative from the Amish community showed up on the doorstep of the family of the man responsible for the tragic event, and offered forgiveness and support.

In the midst of their own pain, the Amish community is reaching out and offering comforts to others.

Instead of responding with hate and seeking revenge, they are urging forgiveness and turning the other cheek.

Sure, most religious and spiritual practices promote forgiveness. But how many of us actually practice what we preach?

More than being awed, I am humbled.

I wonder if the Amish are trying to figure out why the young women had to die? Or if they realize what an impact their response can have on the evolution of the rest of us?

With the response of the Amish community, this is no longer a tragedy, but a guiding light for our planet. A chance for people to recognize and realize that we don't have to live in revenge and hatred, that we always have the opportunity to choose acceptance and forgiveness.

Yes, I know how difficult it can be to forgive. Although it is the best choice we can make to protect our own heart (4th Chakra) energies, forgiveness is often a difficult choice. We have to give up the need to know why, disconnect from our ego, and accept that there is something going on that is greater than us that we may never understand.

Everyday, we have the opportunity to make that choice. To choose forgiveness over revenge. To choose love over fear.

Hopefully, we will never have to experience such personal trauma to make that choice.

Hopefully, the example of the Amish community is the impetus the rest of us need to choose forgiveness.

Let us pray that we can honor the Amish response by humbly following their example.

Let us pray that our leaders can honor the Amish response by humbly following their example.

Let us pray that these young ladies did not experience this in vain... that we will all continue choosing forgiveness.

Love & light,

About the Author

Gwenn Bonnell is South Florida's foremost trainer in EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), offering private and group training in advanced uses of EFT and Energy Medicine since 1999. She shares simple, powerful, and transformational personal energy methods with people locally and globally through her private consultations, workshops, web sites, ebooks and audio programs.

Because her delivery is so down-to-earth, Gwenn's works have been translated into 6 languages and are available worldwide. She is a long-term member of the Association for Comprehensive Energy Psychology. You can learn more about Gwenn's services at: www.tapintoheaven.com and www.Chakrativity.com