Forgiveness




 This week in a neighboring community, an unthinkable tragedy happened. 


A teen driver struck a pony cart with three Amish children on their way to school.  


This is the incredible message the driver’s mother posted:

“A horrific tragedy happened in our community. My daughter struck a pony cart carrying 3 children who were headed to school. All 3 children were killed.

She turned her phone over to prove she wasn’t texting, we relinquished the black box from her car to show she wasn’t speeding and she did a toxicology test to show there were no drugs or alcohol in her system. Pony carts are smaller than buggies. And due to a small hill and valley she simply did not see them until it was too late.

My daughter is shattered as well as the beautiful Yoder family. This beautiful family invited my daughter into their home. Hugged her. Told her they love her. Told her that they’re so sorry this happened to her and they forgive her. They believe it was a freak accident and do not hold her responsible for this tragedy. And they gave Sienna Glenda’s bible to help her heal ❤️


They also have heard that society has had cruel things to say about her and that hurts them deeply. As her mother, it obviously hurts me as well. 

We all know that terrible accidents happen due to reckless behavior, but not all accidents are caused by recklessness. Please know that my daughter is suffering and be kind to her. Her life, as well as the Yoder’s will never be the same.


Through this tragedy, I’ve seen more love, compassion, understanding and grace come from the Amish community than I ever thought imaginable. My family’s world tragically collided with the most remarkable family I’ve ever had the pleasure of knowing. ❤️💔


The attachments to this post are of the invitation we received for healing at the home of the Yoder’s, a note posted at the funeral requesting prayers for Sienna….and i just added ANOTHER gesture of love from them. They were concerned enough, to go to the Bremen parks and post notes asking to please stop the hate. They lost 3 children and before they even buried them, they’re doing their best trying to protect Sienna from evil. We all have a lot we could learn from the Amish.

God love the Yoder’s! ❤️❤️❤️


I also want to thank all the wonderful people who came by to comfort Sienna with food, flowers, cards, hugs and kind words. Every single kind gesture means more than you know. When the chips are down, that’s when you find out who your friends are. And the kindness is carrying us through!!”


I want to be like this! 


I dont know if I am but I want to be.  


A friend of mine whose grandparents and family are Amish commented that it’s deeply entrenched as a part of their culture.  


And I have been asking myself over and over if forgiveness is deeply entrenched in my culture or not.


Is the most important part of Jesus Christ’s message a part of my culture? 


My personal culture?


Our family culture?


My work culture?


My friend circle culture?


My church culture?


Is forgiveness such an integral part of my every day living that when called upon to forgive what seems to be the most unthinkable that I could do so? 


Am I hoping to be able to forgive (and be forgiven for) the big things but still holding onto every harsh word, misstep and hurt feeling I have ever had? 


Do I understand and show by how I live that this could only be possible with the divine help of Jesus Christ? 


I simply can not accept any other possibility than that the Savior was there to help all 4 children in this accident and to help their grieving parents embrace one another in His love. 


And I want to be like that.  


Starting at this very moment.

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