January the 22nd, 1999, is a day forever etched in the memory of Gladys Staines.It is the day that her husband Graham, along with their young sons, Timothy and Philip, were burnt alive by a group of around 50 religious extremists in Orissa, India, where Graham had been working with the poor, especially those with leprosy.
(The Jeep where the Staines were sleeping)
Gladys has an amazing story to tell of how she and her daughter were able to forgive those who killed those they loved. While their forgiveness was offered right away, the healing took a lot longer.
For Sister Gladys and her daughter it would have been the most tragic day in their lives.
They would have not dreamt of it.
But when the blitzkrieg struck; they were not flooded with self-pity and vengeance. Instead Forgiveness was ruling their hearts.She was willing to forgive those who have murdered her husband and two sons.The struggles within her and the accusations raised by her own conscious mind didn’t stop her from taking the bold decision to forgive whoever had done this cruel act.She carried the perfume of Christ in her humble acts.She not only served her Lord during the times of harmony but even when the worst tsunami had swallowed her entire house-hold.She is now with her daughter continuing her work for the Kingdom of God.
It is truly remarkable to think that Gladys stayed on in India for many years to continue the work that her husband had begun many years earlier.Many people have been inspired by her life and her determination to continue serving God in a land far from her home country of Australia.
Lesson to be Learnt:
Forgiveness is the best medicine for the eternal cure. Gladys exhibited it. Its time for us to look into the areas of our own lives where we haven’t forgiven or forgotten the misdeeds committed against us…. Lets turn our hearts to be merciful…. because Mercy triumphs over Judgement……
Thanks & Regards,
Samuel Machado
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