New Hope

Some would say that "they" live in a nearly perfect world. The Amish live a very simple life, in a very complex day. Their families seem strong. They have a strong faith in God. They are depenedent on very few for very little.

So six months ago, someone from the outside intruded upon their lives and destroyed some of that innocence and simplicity. When the deranged man entered that school house in Nickel Mines Pa. everything changed. Now this secluded community would be listed among Columbine, Joneshboro, Springfield and Ft. Gibson. Places where school children had been gunned down by fellow students or assailants.

What made this even more difficult was the fact that "they" had to let the rest of the world in. From helicopters to satellite trucks, news organizations swooped in. They wanted to respect their privacy and their beliefs, but the story had to be told.

I am glad the story was told. Why? Because it is a story of hope. When faced with the worst of all tragedies, the Amish found hope in thier faith and in each other. When asked what they would do about their grief and pain, they often said that they would trust God, forgive the man, and reach out to his family. They would find strength in God. They would find purpose through this pain.

Those were not just words. They did reach out to the man's wife and kids. The Amish people called on them, surrounded them and cared for them. They knew there was another family who had experienced a terrible tragedy in their lives. They raised money for that family, establishing a fund for them.

Why? Well, when asked, it is almost as if their answer was, "well, why not?" They knew the scriptures commanded them to forgive. They knew that Jesus had said this often. They knew retaliation and hate was not the answer. For those who believe in God, love is the order of the day.

The ressurection of Jesus Christ does something to us that nothing else can do. It gives us real hope in the face of darkness and sorrow. Knowing that there is someone ( Jesus) who could go to the cross and say, "Forgive them", and then rise from the dead is enough to pay attention and obey His commands, no matter what we "feel" like.

Hope... It comes in all kinds of packages. It comes in so many different forms. It does not guarentee protection against sorrow and tradgedy. It does help us see beyond it all to something that is better. It helps us see people as Jesus sees them.

The kids in Nickel Mines went to school yesterday in their new school building. It still has no electricity. It is a one room school house. There are new things this time, ( skylights for one).
There are secure doors and paved parking lots.

And there is hope. By the way, they named the school. It is an appropriate name for sure. "New Hope School."

We should all be so blessed as to spend time in that school.... the school of New Hope.