Mark Twain
once wrote the following metaphor on forgiveness:
"Forgiveness
is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it."
Many of us
have read the book, or seen the newly released movie, “Unbroken” which describes the incredible story of determination and
forgiveness from Louis Zamporini as a prisoner of Japan in World War 2. The prison camps and death marches, the mistreatment of soldiers and natives and countless war
crimes--all of this created deep wakes of sorrow felt by the nations that comprised the Allies. Thousands
of American soldiers, like Zamporini, went missing in action and weren't rescued
until after the war was over and after they had been made to endure extreme and
cruel conditions. My Granddad, John Allen Knox was one of these soldiers who
found it within themselves to not only survive the brutal conditions of several
German P.O.W. camps, but also to display complete forgiveness toward the
Germans that captured, tortured, and starved him and his comrades.
My granddad left a pattern for his progeny to follow. Raised in North Carolina on a large dairy and agriculture farm owned by the Knox family, my Granddad was taught from a young age to develop three things: a strong back, a
stronger work ethic, and an even stronger will. Those three things served him
well as he endured a horrible situation
that no one should have to encounter.
When I find myself despondent or negative about a challenge or circumstance that rises in my life, I often reflect back on his example of determination and forgiveness in World War 2. It’s a part of my family history that I keep in the fore-front of my mind.
When I find myself despondent or negative about a challenge or circumstance that rises in my life, I often reflect back on his example of determination and forgiveness in World War 2. It’s a part of my family history that I keep in the fore-front of my mind.
Wow. I bet that's an amazing story your grandfather has. Makes it really hit close to home. And what a great example you have to look to in your life when it comes to forgiveness.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is a amazing (albeit very sad) story to have in your family history. I really like the Mark Twain quote, and the fortitude of your grandfather to forgive those who imprisoned him is astonishing.
ReplyDeleteSo I pretty much wrote about the same thing you did ! Of course, your article was so far buried by the time I posted, I didn't see it until later. I wonder if our family members were in the same POW camp? Do you know which one your grandfather was in? My uncle was in Stalag Luft 1.
ReplyDelete