The power of forgiveness

Cattails in this morning's sun

Isn't it nice to read an article in the newspaper that isn't instilling fear into our lives?  I read one such article yesterday, "Forgiveness, hope wins out over crime in juvenile court".  The columnist, Jon Tevlin, shared a story of how a woman forgave a 17-year-old boy who had stolen and totaled her car.  The victim of this crime was a 76-year-old woman who had been a foster parent for about 50 kids, and understood how good kids can end up doing some pretty stupid and bad things.

While in juvenile court the crime victim gave the guilty party two stones, one of which was inscribed with "Hope" and the other with "A special prayer for you".  Following this act of forgiveness they hugged and the boy sobbed.  Hope was born anew in this young man's life thanks to a redeeming act of forgiveness and compassion.  Too bad we don't get to hear more inspiring stories such as this in the news.