Amish Grace

 I don't think I've ever had a movie affect me as much as this one did.

Den and I were rather speechless after seeing it last night. We both felt a sense of reverence.

I use to think when I was much younger, that I would forgive anyone who felt remorse and was sorry. I thought that was what it meant to forgive. If someone wronged me or someone else, but did not feel badly about it, then I would be enabling them to forgive them.

I have learned as the years have gone on, that I had it all wrong. So wrong.

You may remember this true story that happened back in 2006 in an Amish community of Pennsylvania. How a 32 year old milk truck driver, who was not Amish, but his route took him to many Amish dairy farms.  He was known as the quiet milkman.  He had suddenly lost all reason and control.  In his tormented mind he blamed God for the death of his first child. 

He stormed into the Amish school, released the boys and men, and shot 10 girls.  5 died and 5 were wounded.  Then he took his own life.

Of course this shocking violence caused great anguish among the Amish. But collectively they began reaching out to the milkman’s family.  They reached out to them with love and kindness, and extended their sympathy to them. 

While their HEARTS WERE BROKEN, they reached out and LOVED the family of the man who killed their daughters.  How could they do this?  Because of their faith in God and trust in His word, which was part of THEIR INNER BEINGS.    wow

However, one of the moms who lost her daughter in this horrific act of violence, did not forgive easily. Understandably so. The movie focuses on her, and also the wife of the shooter.

Some of my favorite quotes for this movie:

“Hate will eat up your whole heart.” 


“Forgiveness comes with an open heart and without condition, 
or it does not come at all.” 


“It’s NOT easy to forgive. The Lord does not set us on an easy path.”

This last quote made me think how we truly are on this earth to stretch and grow and become better. We can’t do that without pain. I think forgiving is another way we go through the refiner’s fire, to become more like Christ.

I also have to add that I really appreciated how they handled the shooting by not showing any of it….no screams, no shooting sounds.
Loved this movie!

It will shown on Lifetime channel, July 24th. You will need to check listings in your area for the time.
Or you can borrow my copy. 

Just my opinion, but I wouldn't show this to a child younger than about 12 or so. The world is very small to children and I wouldn't want them worrying about a man coming in and shooting them at school. Besides, children forgive without grudges. It's just as we age that we have a problem with it.