Innocence Lost:
I marvel and stand amazed by the grace and dignity displayed by the Amish community in the aftermath of the most recent school shooting that rocked their peaceful way of life.
A gunman, named Charles Roberts, stormed their one-room schoolhouse killing five girls, wounding five others; he then killed himself. Reports surfaced that the oldest girl, a mere thirteen, asked to be shot first, her younger sister volunteered to be second. Where do children find this courage and self sacrificing love? Before the smell of gunpowder cleared the air, forgiveness was offered by the Amish community. Many attended the funeral for Mr. Roberts, and expressed concern for his wife and children.
I have always held the Amish in high esteem. I have even at times envied their simple lifestyle. If you ever wanted to chuck it all; escape the hustle and bustle of modern day America. If you ever wanted to join the circus, or run off with the Foreign Legion, or at very least find a deserted beach somewhere, then you know how appealing the Amish way of life can seem.
Most mainstream Christians want the best of both worlds. Every toy, modern convenience, and appliance money can buy in this life, and paradise in the next. How refreshing to see a religious community living their creed. The Amish have never asked me for a dime. They don’t proselytize, are friendly with outsiders, and socialize well with their neighbors.
It’s impossible to not be impressed with the stellar example of Christian virtue the Amish display. We’re lucky to have them living amongst us.