People Tell Their Stories:
Abuse and Violence

An Expression of Grace  Robin Casarijian
 
A Course in Miracles states that we live in a perpetual state of grace-an aspect of the love of God. Grace is experienced when judgment and hatred are lifted from our experience. It is the acceptance of love within a world that has much fear. Grace lifts us up, shows us the truth, and...puts us back down on solid ground. (p.229)
 
...When I reflect on the idea of grace, I am reminded of reading the story of twenty-nine-year-old Steven McDonald, a tall and athletic New York City policeman who was senselessly shot while on routine duty one day. At the time his wife was pregnant with their first child. He now lives as a quadriplegic who will breathe through a respirator for the rest of his life. Throughout his healing he called on his faith to pull him through, and lived, despite the horror of his situation, with gratitude for life and for the help and love of his family, friends, and community. At a press conference a number of months after the shooting, over the gurgling sounds of his respirator, his wife read a statement from him. In it he said, "I'm sometimes angry at the teenage boy who shot me, but more often I feel sorry for him. I only hope that he can turn his life to helping and not hurting people. I forgive him and hope that he can find peace and purpose in his life."
 
That one can honor the dignity of the perpetrator in the face of such pain and adversity is an incredible testimony to the beauty and generosity of the human spirit. Steven McDonald made a personal decision to respond this way, but the very fact that human beings have the capability to choose such a relationship with life is an affirmation that we do indeed live with grace. (p.233)
 
 
From Forgiveness: A Bold Choice for a Peaceful Heart by Robin Casarjian, M.A., Bantam Books, New York, 1992, p. 229 and p. 233.

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