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I saw this picture yesterday on Facebook and thought it beautifully simple and profound. What Mr. Rogers has to say is plain truth. Amid tragedy, and terrible circumstances there are always good, kind people there to pick up the pieces…lending a helping hand and providing a stable shoulder to cry on. It is amazing to watch, isn’t it? There are definitely still so many “helpers”.
In light of the Boston Marathon Bombing, I felt it best to save the recipe I had prepared for today’s post and share a little something else instead.
This is a book I read last week.
“Let It Go” is about a man (Chris Williams) who lives here in my city. Seven years ago his pregnant wife and two children were killed in a car accident by a drunk teenage driver. From the very night of the accident he chose to forgive the boy who was responsible for taking the life of his family members. I have been fascinated by this story from the time I heard reports of it here in the local news. How could any human being have the strength to forgive so quickly, and freely! It was a surprise to me, as I would imagine it to be to most people.
In the book Chris gives detailed explanation. He testifies of Christ and the blessings of forgiveness. While his road has not been easy, his choice to forgive has made the challenges of loss much easier to bear. Instead of embracing anger, hate or revenge he let go of those natural feelings and has taken hold of love, kindness…forgiveness.
I mention (and recommend) this book to you all today simply because, the world can be such a terrible place. There are plenty of reasons to be angry. Seeing innocent people become victim to senseless terrorism is so frustrating! Most of us shake our heads with the words “why” rolling over and over in our minds. I haven’t ever been able to come up with a sufficient answer to that question. Have you? I don’t know why these things happen. What I do know is, I want to be one of the “helpers”. I want to choose love and kindness. I hope to follow Chris Williams example of charity.
You can watch a video on the Mormon Channel called “My Burden Was Made Light” about Chris and his family. Click here, or on the picture above to see it.
I would love to give a copy of “Let It Go” to two of you dear readers. To enter just leave me a comment below telling me something good! It can be an act of kindness you have witnessed. It can be something sweet your child did or said. It can be something good you would like to do for someone else. What ever you choose. 🙂 The giveaway will be open through Sunday night (April 21st). Winner will be announced Monday morning (April 22).
My family and I are praying for those of you effected by the terrible Boston Marathon Bombing. May you feel the love of God supporting you during this difficult time.
Such a lovely post! My good news is that I’m going to California tomorrow, Palm Springs, where it’s 90 degrees. I’ve given up on Spring in Utah. It’s COLD outside!
The good thing about this week is my cute niece and nephew who were watching the Boston marathon, were not hurt and made it home safe! So thankful!
Forgiveness is such a powerful thing. Hearing Chris Williams in person talk about his experience is inspiring. We all need to follow an example like his when faced with indescribable pain caused by another person’s thoughtless words or actions. If we look for the good in this world, there is lots to see. I love witnessing or being a part of random acts of kindness around me & seeing what small & simple things can do to make a difference in someone’s life.
I was the recipient of numerous “helpers” almost exactly one year ago. I was thrown from a horse on a routine ride around the neighborhood and ended up in the hospital with a broken back and smashed thumb. My sister-in-law, my children, and the ladies in our church were the keys to my miraculous recovery. I will always be grateful to all of them.
Jamie, thank you for sharing this. It is wonderful. We all need to have that attitude and focus on the positive. It was great reading all the good things that people do. I loved meeting you at the symphony one Saturday night. Thanks for brightening the world.
I love positivity, forgiveness, and kindness. My little Alyssa is 3 years old and always smiling. She has severe food allergies and can’t eat many of the things we do. One day she was naming all the things she couldn’t have (in a sad voice) and then her face lit up and she exclaimed “BUT I can have strawberries!!”. Kids are my inspiration. They are so quick to forgive, they share their love, and they are genuinely excited about life!
I have heard this story and it is inspiring to me. Reminds me to be quick to forgive. I would love to read the book!
My boys are a little older (11 & 13) than the kids across the street (1, 3, 5, 8). Nevertheless, there’s a mutual admiration society going on between them, that’s for sure. My boys were at these neighbors’ house yesterday, jumping on the trampoline. The 3YO girl was shivering in the cold, so my boys wrapped her up in their jackets! At times like that I think I must be doing something right.
Once in awhile I will see one of my girls do an act of kindness to each other and it makes me feel good as a mother. Perhaps I have taught them something! It may be as simple as getting a needed blanket or stuffed animal for their sister. If one of them is feeling sad or hurt sometimes I will glance over and see them putting their arms around each other. So sweet! They are ages 7, 4, and 3 so that is why I say “sometimes!” It does give me hope for the future that they are already learning about caring and compassion!
Let It Go is the next book everyone needs to be reading. We all need to look about us and forgive more easily.