Christabelle Ayensu-Asiedu
Professor Bannowsky
ENGL110-058
7th March, 2016
Forgiveness:
A rare trait or response.
According to an old adage, when it comes to forgiveness, we should all forgive and
forget. However, many can attest to the fact that forgiveness is usually easier said than done.
Others may argue saying, “what if he killed my child?” or “what if she cheated on me?” simply
implementing that their particular situations are too difficult to exhibit forgiveness. Generally,
smaller grievances may be easily forgiven, whereas serious transgressions are another story
entirely. A lot of people struggle to forgive a serious wrong done to them and many times feel
that the perpetrator does not deserve their forgiveness. Those are natural human emotions that
often take control of our decisions. However, there are individuals that have shown remarkable
acts of forgiveness out of their own will, against their natural instincts.
Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of the tragic Nazi Holocaust is often remembered for her
statement that, “Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door of resentment and the handcuffs of
hatred.” During the taunting period of the Holocaust, Boom risked her life to save others by
helping people escape the concentration camps that harbored Jews. Unfortunately, Boom and her
family were arrested as soon as her actions were heard of, ending in the death of both her father
and sister. Soon after, Boom was freed and managed to leave the camp as well.
Years later, Boom met face to face with one of her cruel former prison guards that asked
her for forgiveness. Boom could have walked and lived without any blame; however, Boom
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chose to forgive the prison guard. According to an excerpt from Corrie Boom’s autobiography,
The Hiding Place, Boom declared,
“I forgive you, brother…. with all my heart.” (Boom)
When Boom forgave the guard, she became more satisfied with her self-conscience. Boom’s
forgiveness was neither forced nor compulsory; yet, Boom knew that if she forgave the prisoner,
she would be able to move on in life, so much better. From Boom’s perspective, forgiveness
always satisfies the sense of justice instead of vengeance.
In another instance, a significant act of forgiveness is portrayed. On September 11, 2001,
Americans experienced one of the most tragic terrorist attacks in American history. As a result of
this, “Never forget” became the rallying cry for many Americans. However, not all Americans
sought retribution to ease their pain. Phyllis Rodriguez is one exemplary mother who continued
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