I don't like sharing people's pain and suffering. The purpose of my blog here is for fun debates and fanfiction, not really social issues.
However, this past week I have been listening to clips about the Parkland shooting. I remember the protests and speeches in 2018 but they faded into the background after a while for me. Unfortunately, there are so many tragedies happening that empathy is a scarce commodity (at least for me anyway).
I listened to most, if not all, the victim statements. I saw the family members calling the shooter all sorts of names, and wishing rape (implicitly and explicitly), violent death and endless suffering on him. The pain they have endured is deep so no one can fault them for that.
However, Victoria's was the one that brought me to tears and really moved me. The shooter seemed the most affected by her too. With the angry parents, he was indifferent and unmoved but he visibly reacted to her words. She is grieving but she still wishes things could have been different for him. That he could have experienced the love and friendship she did. That he is not some creature or animal, but a human being who acted with depravity.
Her statement made me think of this Christian family who publicly forgave this man who murdered a family member (will find the article). As a Christian, I struggled to understand why they were visiting him in prison and continuing to involve themselves in his life. Why not just forgive him quietly, and move on? However, I understand now that they were being ambassadors. They showed the world that God can help us overcome our pain. Being angry and bitter is not going to bring their loved one back. As painful as it is, they are actually doing a public service. By ministering to the man who hurt them, they are helping to reform him so he does not continue to hurt others if he gets out. Not saying I would/could do something like that, but I think it takes a strong person to do this and I want to be that kind of person.
As for Victoria, I really admire her. It seems the comment section admired her as well. It's easy to demonize and wish a painful death on someone, but it's harder to wish them love. Not sure what her religion is if she has one, but I want to be more like her. Christians should be like her. Speaking love to our enemies. However, forgiveness or compassion does not mean lack of justice! Just putting that out there in case someone attacks me.
Just had to get this off my chest. I hope those who read this are also impacted as well. There is so much hate and anger in the world today and I like seeing that there is still light out there. Have a good day!
