as we forgive

The screening of the documentary _as we forgive_ was amazing! On par with the film Invisible Children about the situation in Uganda. What would you do if your family had been murdered by your neighbors, and then 40,000 of those neighbors (genocide prisoners) were released from prison at once because it was impossible to prosecute all the killers. Would you be willing to look that neighbor in the eye? Would you be able to forgive? If you had gotten caught up in the lies and propaganda and killed your friend, could you humble yourself to ask your friend's wife or child to forgive your unthinkable act? What would it take for you to feel free again? Can killers and victims live side by side in harmony?

This 53 minute film showed in a very real way the consequences of the Rwandan genocide. Two sets of killers and victims are brought together by reconciliation mediators. You see their pain, fight against bitterness, and for some, the freedom that offering forgiveness and receiving forgiveness brings. It reminded me a lot of the Truth and Reconciliation Council that brought about much healing in South Africa in the aftermath of apartheid. Which got me to thinking, how would our country be different if we had gone through the reconciliation process after slavery became outlawed, after the Civil War? Would today's gang violence, racial poverty, and overcrowded jails be non-existent? Would there have never been the LA riots?

Check it out: www.asweforgivemovie.com