Anne Frank and friends
I am sharing a very touching little prayer that was reported to have been found in a Jewish concentration camp after World War II. When I was in school, the Holocaust was a part of history we studied off and on in several grades. I was always deeply touched by so many of the stories of the heroism during that war, World War II. Until I started studying the history of it, I didn’t realize how many people the Nazi’s interned in their death camps, not only Jewish people, but also Polish people, gypsies, homosexuals, Russians and even Jehovah’s Witnesses. It was a dark and shocking period in the history of humanity. I hate war, but I am so glad our country stood up in this time and joined the war effort and stopped the atrocities that were taking place. The Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC is a strong reminder and testament to the suffering and victories of this war.
This little prayer is a tender reminder that it’s up to us whether we bear good fruit or bitter fruit in hard times. I can’t imagine living through life in a death camp. Yet this prayer is not angry or bitter, but an encouragement to look for good in any situation.
O Lord, remember not only the men and women of good will, but also those of ill will.
But, do not remember all of the suffering they have inflicted on us;
remember the fruits we have borne thanks to this suffering —
our fellowship, our loyalty to one another, our humility, our courage,
our generosity, the greatness of heart that has grown from this trouble.
When our persecutors come to judgment, let all of these fruits
which we have borne be their forgiveness. – Author Unknown
Forgiveness is not an easy thing. We want vengeance, we want revenge. We want retribution. But the truth is that unforgiveness and bitterness don’t help you, they hurt you. Physically, your heart can develop problems, your blood pressure will eventually rise too. Your body will eventually gain weight from the emotional baggage you are carrying. Care about yourself enough to forgive and let go. There are many stories of forgiveness and heroism available from that period if you search for them.
Corrie Ten Boom
This list of gratitude is pretty simple today:
1. I am grateful for heroes of service.
2. I am grateful for heroes of suffering, not that they suffered but that they have endured and overcome.
3. I am grateful for the history lessons I learned in school.
4. I am grateful for forgiveness.
5. I am grateful for the many men and women who have shared their personal stories over the years.
6. I am grateful for Corrie Ten Boom, and Anne Frank and her diary.
7. I am grateful for the things I have learned personally from studying these heroes of the past.
8. I am grateful for prayer.
9. I am grateful for the many sites on the internet now that pop up when you look for ‘Heroes of the Holocaust.’
10. I am grateful for God’s plan for my life, and the lives of others. His plan is full of love for us, even in our darkest hour.
Unfortunately, the choices of others often affect us. The choices Hitler made affected millions of people in his time, and a rippling effect remains today. History is doomed to repeat itself unless we remember it, and remember it correctly. Remembering is also a way to honor those events as well.
Is there a part of humanity’s history that touches you? Please share in the comments, I would love to hear from you. Until next time, Angela
Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2011 Angela W Fitch 
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