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Gibara 1

Leena Gibara
Mr. Ocarroll
HRE4M1 04
05/05/14
In Pardoning We Are Pardoned
When faced with tribulations, violence, anger and strife many people begin to lose hope,
become weak and discouraged. Although, if we chose to humble ourselves before God and forgive
others who have caused us harm, we begin to live the life God has set out for us. A life in which God
has filled with hope, love and a promising future. In the memoir Left To Tell, written by Immaculee
Ilibagiza, we are shown how to live according to Gods word no matter what hardships may be
thrown our way. Immacule is an extraordinary young woman who must fight for her life in the midst
of the Rwandan genocide. It had begun as a result of many years of dispute among the Tutsi and Hutu
tribes. While her country is terrorized by the killings of innocent civilians, Immaculees strength and
kind heart leads her to discover a place deep inside herself that keeps the spirit of Christ alive and
allows for forgiveness, even to those who murder her family. Immaculee is a women sought after God
and his teachings, specifically the beatitudes. The two beatitudes Immaculee portrayed the most
were; Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and Blessed are the meek for they
shall inherit the earth. Her purpose for writing the book from what I can see was to show people
that forgiveness is not only possible in the worst and most difficult situations, such as somebody
taking the lives of your family, but necessary because those who are forgiven receive the light of God.
Once you have offered your forgiveness, retaliation and vengeance can no longer exist. Forgiveness
occurs once you become meek and realize that you are nothing without God. We must realize that
we cannot do anything without the help and mercy of God. Once we put our trust in God, he can
Gibara 2
make the impossible happen. God fills our hearts with love and can make us able to forgive even the
most terrible crimes.
Love and forgiveness cannot be separated. If we choose to live out the love of God as the
purpose of our life, then forgiving is an option that cannot be avoided. On the Sermon on the Mount,
Jesus tells the crowd Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy God calls us to forgive
everyone including our enemies. The bible tells us to; Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV). When we forgive
those who trespass against us we are letting go of anger and letting God in. Furthermore, in an article
concerning the Beatitudes, Friar Jack says, The Peace Prayer of St. Francis picks up the same dynamic
in these familiar words: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And this miracle of mercy doesnt
happen just sometime in the next life. It happens now. No sooner does our heart imitate the mercy of
God than we are shown the same gift of mercy! (Jack) Evidently Immaculee is able to show mercy to
others as God has called her to do. Throughout the horrors and violence during the Rwandan
genocide, Immaculee is able to forgive those who have committed vicious crimes against her and
those whom she loves. She says; Despite their atrocities, they were children of God, and I could
forgive a child, although it would not be easy. especially when that child was trying to kill me. *+
That night I prayed with a clear conscience and a clean heart. For the first time since I entered the
bathroom, I slept in peace (Ilibagiza, 94). Immaculee demonstrates a Godly love towards her
enemies, by showing mercy towards them even when it is was most difficult. As found in the
textbook; Jesus redefines love for neighbor as a gesture of goodness to all others, even your enemy
Jesus said; You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I
say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray
for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven
Gibara 3
(In search of the Good, pg 94). Throughout her memoir Immaculees mercy and compassion for the
killers were shown through her words and actions. We see in the beginning it was difficult for her to
forgive her enemies but as she grew stronger in her relationship with God forgiveness became second
nature to her. At the end of the memoir Imaculee meets Felicien a man who had killed her brother
and mother and was out to kill her too. Although he had done horrendous crimes, Immaculee was
able to forgive him and even felt pity toward him. I wept at the sight of his suffering*+ Felicien was
sobbing. I could feel his shame. He looked up at me for only a moment, but our eyes met. I reached
out, touched his hands lightly, and quietly said what Id come to say. I forgive you (Ilibagiza, 204).
Immaculees constant love and forgiveness towards others, amidst the most horrific and sorrowful
times demonstrates Jesus ethical message as found in the Sermon on the Mount Blessed are the
merciful for they will be shown mercy.
As humans we are limited and weak, but through the work and love of God we are made strong and
diligent. When we go to God in times of trouble we humble ourselves before God, thus realizing our
human limitations. This realization makes us meek in the eyes of God. On the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus tells the crowd; Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth In an article on the
Beatitudes, Friar Jack says; The biblical meaning of meek, indicates tolerance, lowliness and respect. As
Scripture scholar John P. Meier puts it, the meek do not push their own plans to the detriment of Gods
saving plan (Jack). Immaculee demonstrates the idea of meekness several times throughout her
memoir. The second day the Killers arrived at the Pastors house searching for the girls, Immaculee felt
weak and began losing hope. As soon as she started feeling this she began to cling to God for strength,
knowing that only He can save them from evil. Oh God I prayed soundlessly, I have no heart left to
fight. Im ready to give up please give me strength and protect me from the demons that are all
around me. Show me how to make the killers blind again (Ilibigiza 81). Immaculee knew she couldnt
fight the evil around her on her own, she needed God to guide her. Immaculee constantly struggled in
Gibara 4
the bathroom with evil thoughts getting to her head but she always went to God when this happened.
This constant inner struggle reminds me of the idea of conscience, from chapter 3 in the textbook.
According to the church our conscience is A voice that calls us to love and to do what is good and to
avoid evil a law inscribed in human hearts by God. Our conscience is our most secret core and
sanctuary where we are alone with God whose voice echoes in our depths ( In Search of the Good, 52).
God is constantly talking to Immaculee and leading her away from bad thoughts. The third time the
killers arrived at the Pastors house, they were calling her name and she was in great fear, she knew she
couldnt face this alone so again she called on God to help her and forgive her. Dear God, forgive me for
my lapse in faith.. I trust in You, God I know that You will save us. You are stronger than the evil in this
house*+ How Can I have more faith? Im praying so hard, God, so hard but theyre so close, and Im so
tired (Ilibigiza, 130) God spoke to her and told her to trust Him and He would keep them safe. She felt
happiness and relief in her heart and she was certain that God would protect them and that they would
be saved. Immaculee continually humbled herself before God realizing that she is incapable of doing
anything without the guiding love of God. God always gives us what we need when we need it but we
must have faith in Him and call on him. Jesus tells the disciples to pray with the sure hope that in
answer to their requests they will not receive something useless or dangerous. God will give us what is
most needed (In Search of the Good, 97).
I found it inspiring to see how much faith was instilled in Immaculee, even in the hardest times
she always leaned on God for comfort, even when the devil was trying to mess with her head she tried
her best to rid the voices and keep calm in God grace. I couldnt imagine being placed in such a tough
situation, being locked in a tiny area in fear for my life. I think she handled this situation perfectly and
remained strong with God. Personally I see myself as a religious individual who goes to God in times of
trouble as Immaculee did, I realize that I cannot accomplish anything without God. In this way I believe I
am like Immaculee, we are both meek before God and are able to understand our human limitations. I
Gibara 5
always tell myself in everything that I do that I must try my best and leave the rest up to God. This
includes things like school, work and even my social life. For example I had a biology test recently that I
studied quite a lot for and I was hoping to do very well. Unfortunately I did much worse than expected,
at this moment I did not feel anger in my heart because I knew that I did all that I could do. Instead I
prayed to God and thanked Him and I knew that whatever He was doing was for my best interest. This is
similar to Immaculee, who always tried her best in school but sometimes she wasnt recognized for her
efforts due to the fact she was a Tutsi. But God had an ultimate plan for her and gave her a bright future
and hope. In this way I am similar to Immaculee.
There are also many ways in which me and Immaculee differ, for example I find it very difficult
to forgive others, who have sinned against me. Recently I got into a big argument with my brother and
at that moment I felt so much anger and hate in my heart towards my brother, I was unable to let go of
some of the awful things he had said to me. I found it difficult to forgive someone whom I love and care
for, my own brother. I could not imagine what it would be like to forgive an enemy who has committed
several horrendous crimes against my family and I. Immaculee was able to let go of hate and anger
towards the Hutus. Although it was difficult, she was able to eventually do it by continually praying to
God. Forgiveness is something I must work on myself, it does not come easy to me and takes me a long
time. However I believe that if I remain faithful in God and continually pray for Him to make me
stronger, eventually forgiveness will become easy to me as it became easy for Immaculee.
Throughout the entire memoir, Immaculee became stronger, wiser and more diligent by the
help of God. By experiencing hardships, Immaculee became drawn to Jesus Christ and begun crying to
Him for help and wisdom. By her strong faith and determination she was able to overcome what seems
for most to be impossible, forgiveness. Not only forgiveness, but forgiving our enemies. Immaculee is
constantly humbling herself before God, asking him for guidance and help in times of weakness. In turn
God guides her throughout her journey. He saves her and her friends several times in the bathroom and
Gibara 6
also once they escaped, whenever they were in trouble and need. He also remains with her while she is
mourning her loss. He stays with her no matter what and the more Immaculee seeked Him, the more
she found him. God opened her eyes and showed her how to love, forgive and be humble which is
something Jesus teaches us to be in the beatitudes. Immaculee is able to live by the beatitudes through
all her actions and decisions. When we live by Gods words, He can make unimaginable things happen,
He fills us with love, peace, hope and determination in every and any circumstance as long as we seek
His guidance.

















Leena Gibara
Gibara 7
Mr. Ocarroll
HRE4M1 04
05/05/14
In Pardoning We Are Pardoned
When faced with tribulations, violence, anger and strife many people begin to lose hope,
become weak and discouraged. Although if we chose to humble ourselves before God and forgive
others who have caused us harm, we begin to live the life God has set out for us. A life in which God
has filled with hope, love and a promising future. In the memoir Left To Tell, written by Immaculee
Ilibagiza, we are shown how to live according to Gods word no matter what hardships may be
thrown our way. Immacule is an extraordinary young woman who must fight for her life in the midst
of the Rwandan genocide. It had begun as a result of many years of dispute among the Tutsi and Hutu
tribes. While her country is terrorized by the killings of innocent civilians, Immaculees strength and
kind heart leads her to discover a place deep inside herself that keeps the spirit of Christ alive and
allows for forgiveness, even to those who murder her family. Immaculee is a women sought after God
and his teachings, specifically the beatitudes. The two beatitudes Immaculee portrayed the most
were; Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy and Blessed are the meek for they
shall inherit the earth. Her purpose for writing the book from what I can see was to show people
that forgiveness is not only possible in the worst and most difficult situations, such as somebody
taking the lives of your family, but necessary because those who are forgiven receive the light of God.
Once you have offered your forgiveness, retaliation and vengeance can no longer exist. Forgiveness
occurs once you become meek and realize that you are nothing without God. We must realize that
we cannot do anything without the help and mercy of God. Once we put our trust in God, he can
Gibara 8
make the impossible happen. God fills our hearts with love and can make us able to forgive even the
most terrible crimes.
Love and forgiveness cannot be separated. If we choose to live out the love of God as the
purpose of our life, then forgiving is an option that cannot be avoided. On the Sermon on the Mount,
Jesus tells the crowd Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy God calls us to forgive
everyone including our enemies. The bible tells us to; Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger,
brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another,
forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV). When we forgive
those who trespass against us we are letting go of anger and letting God in. Furthermore, in an article
concerning the Beatitudes, Friar Jack says, The Peace Prayer of St. Francis picks up the same dynamic
in these familiar words: It is in pardoning that we are pardoned. And this miracle of mercy doesnt
happen just sometime in the next life. It happens now. No sooner does our heart imitate the mercy of
God than we are shown the same gift of mercy! (Jack) Evidently Immaculee is able to show mercy to
others as God has called her to do. Throughout the horrors and violence during the Rwandan
genocide, Immaculee is able to forgive those who have committed vicious crimes against her and
those whom she loves. She says; Despite their atrocities, they were children of God, and I could
forgive a child, although it would not be easy. especially when that child was trying to kill me. *+
That night I prayed with a clear conscience and a clean heart. For the first time since I entered the
bathroom, I slept in peace (Ilibagiza, 94). Immaculee demonstrates a Godly love towards her
enemies, by showing mercy towards them even when it is was most difficult. As found in the
textbook; Jesus redefines love for neighbor as a gesture of goodness to all others, even your enemy
Jesus said; You have heard that it was said, You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I
say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray
for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven
Gibara 9
(In search of the Good, pg 94). Throughout her memoir Immaculees mercy and compassion for the
killers were shown through her words and actions. We see in the beginning it was difficult for her to
forgive her enemies but as she grew stronger in her relationship with God forgiveness became second
nature to her. At the end of the memoir Imaculee meets Felicien a man who had killed her brother
and mother and was out to kill her too. Although he had done horrendous crimes, Immaculee was
able to forgive him and even felt pity toward him. I wept at the sight of his suffering*+ Felicien was
sobbing. I could feel his shame. He looked up at me for only a moment, but our eyes met. I reached
out, touched his hands lightly, and quietly said what Id come to say. I forgive you (Ilibagiza, 204).
Immaculees constant love and forgiveness towards others, amidst the most horrific and sorrowful
times demonstrates Jesus ethical message as found in the Sermon on the Mount Blessed are the
merciful for they will be shown mercy.
As humans we are limited and weak, but through the work and love of God we are made strong and
diligent. When we go to God in times of trouble we humble ourselves before God, thus realizing our
human limitations. This realization makes us meek in the eyes of God. On the Sermon on the Mount
Jesus tells the crowd; Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth In an article on the
Beatitudes, Friar Jack says; The biblical meaning of meek, indicates tolerance, lowliness and respect. As
Scripture scholar John P. Meier puts it, the meek do not push their own plans to the detriment of Gods
saving plan (Jack). Immaculee demonstrates the idea of meekness several times throughout her
memoir. The second day the Killers arrived at the Pastors house searching for the girls, Immaculee felt
weak and began losing hope. As soon as she started feeling this she began to cling to God for strength,
knowing that only He can save them from evil. Oh God I prayed soundlessly, I have no heart left to
fight. Im ready to give up please give me strength and protect me from the demons that are all
around me. Show me how to make the killers blind again (Ilibigiza 81). Immaculee knew she couldnt
fight the evil around her on her own, she needed God to guide her. Immaculee constantly struggled in
Gibara 10
the bathroom with evil thoughts getting to her head but she always went to God when this happened.
This constant inner struggle reminds me of the idea of conscience, from chapter 3 in the textbook.
According to the church our conscience is A voice that calls us to love and to do what is good and to
avoid evil a law inscribed in human hearts by God. Our conscience is our most secret core and
sanctuary where we are alone with God whose voice echoes in our depths ( In Search of the Good, 52).
God is constantly talking to Immaculee and leading her away from bad thoughts. The third time the
killers arrived at the Pastors house, they were calling her name and she was in great fear, she knew she
couldnt face this alone so again she called on God to help her and forgive her. Dear God, forgive me for
my lapse in faith.. I trust in You, God I know that You will save us. You are stronger than the evil in this
house*+ How Can I have more faith? Im praying so hard, God, so hard but theyre so close, and Im so
tired (Ilibigiza, 130) God spoke to her and told her to trust Him and He would keep them safe. She felt
happiness and relief in her heart and she was certain that God would protect them and that they would
be saved. Immaculee continually humbled herself before God realizing that she is incapable of doing
anything without the guiding love of God. God always gives us what we need when we need it but we
must have faith in Him and call on him. Jesus tells the disciples to pray with the sure hope that in
answer to their requests they will not receive something useless or dangerous. God will give us what is
most needed (In Search of the Good, 97).
I found it inspiring to see how much faith was instilled in Immaculee, even in the hardest times
she always leaned on God for comfort, even when the devil was trying to mess with her head she tried
her best to rid the voices and keep calm in God grace. I couldnt imagine being placed in such a tough
situation, being locked in a tiny area in fear for my life. I think she handled this situation perfectly and
remained strong with God. Personally I see myself as a religious individual who goes to God in times of
trouble as Immaculee did, I realize that I cannot accomplish anything without God. In this way I believe I
am like Immaculee, we are both meek before God and are able to understand our human limitations. I
Gibara 11
always tell myself in everything that I do that I must try my best and leave the rest up to God. This
includes things like school, work and even my social life. For example I had a biology test recently that I
studied quite a lot for and I was hoping to do very well. Unfortunately I did much worse than expected,
at this moment I did not feel anger in my heart because I knew that I did all that I could do. Instead I
prayed to God and thanked Him and I knew that whatever He was doing was for my best interest. This is
similar to Immaculee, who always tried her best in school but sometimes she wasnt recognized for her
efforts due to the fact she was a Tutsi. But God had an ultimate plan for her and gave her a bright future
and hope. In this way I am similar to Immaculee.
There are also many ways in which me and Immaculee differ, for example I find it very difficult
to forgive others, who have sinned against me. Recently I got into a big argument with my brother and
at that moment I felt so much anger and hate in my heart towards my brother, I was unable to let go of
some of the awful things he had said to me. I found it difficult to forgive someone whom I love and care
for, my own brother. I could not imagine what it would be like to forgive an enemy who has committed
several horrendous crimes against my family and I. Immaculee was able to let go of hate and anger
towards the Hutus. Although it was difficult, she was able to eventually do it by continually praying to
God. Forgiveness is something I must work on myself, it does not come easy to me and takes me a long
time. However I believe that if I remain faithful in God and continually pray for Him to make me
stronger, eventually forgiveness will become easy to me as it became easy for Immaculee.
Throughout the entire memoir, Immaculee became stronger, wiser and more diligent by the
help of God. By experiencing hardships, Immaculee became drawn to Jesus Christ and begun crying to
Him for help and wisdom. By her strong faith and determination she was able to overcome what seems
for most to be impossible, forgiveness. Not only forgiveness, but forgiving our enemies. Immaculee is
constantly humbling herself before God, asking him for guidance and help in times of weakness. In turn
God guides her throughout her journey. He saves her and her friends several times in the bathroom and
Gibara 12
also once they escaped, whenever they were in trouble and need. He also remains with her while she is
mourning her loss. He stays with her no matter what and the more Immaculee seeked Him, the more
she found him. God opened her eyes and showed her how to love, forgive and be humble which is
something Jesus teaches us to be in the beatitudes. Immaculee is able to live by the beatitudes through
all her actions and decisions. When we live by Gods words, He can make unimaginable things happen,
He fills us with love, peace, hope and determination in every and any circumstance as long as we seek
His guidance.

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