Every person has a story that makes them unique and valuable. As a college student, I am constantly surrounded by people with different backgrounds and cultures, all in the same campus. But recently I heard a story that has captivated my mind. An inspiring story that has changed my life and I know that the world needs to be touched by the words of this 20 year-old girl. We sat down in my little dorm room and I started my first "formal" interview. She was wearing a beautiful purple dress and had her hair on a big bun. We had a little chat before I started to ask her all these questions, and all I could think about was that she looked so radiant that people would never imagine what she has been through. She has been abandoned by her family and forgotten, she has been hungry and alone, and she has been hated. However, Christ was shining through her and He was holding everything together so that she could have hope.
We prayed and started the interview.
How are you able to forgive?
I can’t be mad at my family, because I, too, sin. And what they’ve done is forgivable because Christ forgave them before they even did it. So, why should I hold them into that judgment, when I’m not even worthy of His grace? They haven’t experienced God’s love, so obviously they don’t know how to respond. I have to forgive them because if I don’t, how will they ever know? If I’m holding on to it, I am condemning myself and I am condemning them, and that’s not fair. I think forgiveness is the gate way. It’s everything because this world is temporal.
It is hard to forgive. There are days that are harder than others where I feel self-righteous and I think, “Oh, I don’t deserve this. I should have this instead,” especially when people start talking about skyping their moms or when their families come to visit. I get so angry and then I realize that I have been given an incredible blessing - I had an amazing grandfather that I got to have for five years. I was loved unconditionally for five years! Through him I was able to change, and he was there right when I needed him. And now that he’s gone, it’s giving me an opportunity to find myself in Christ. Since my family cut me off, I don’t have certain responsibilities that other college kids might have.
What does forgiveness mean to you?
Forgiveness is granting peace. It becomes something more than just saying, “I forgive you.” It becomes something like, “This is not going to come between us. I still have peace with you, I will not hold this against you. I’m forgetting about this.” That is what forgiveness is—to grant peace.
What is your motivation?
God will not leave me here longer than my purpose. When I’m finally done with what He told me to do while I am here, I get to go home and finally rest! This is what keeps me moving. This is my sole motivation!
What keeps you from giving up?
I keep reminding myself what Christ has done for me, and all His blessings to my life. It fills me with peace every time I praise Him for His mercies towards me.
The time I spent writing this and organizing every thought was so refreshing. It's easy to get caught up by the things of this world that we forget God's blessings towards us.
Sheena McCown, you are an inspiring woman who's been used by God. Your smile is an everyday reminder that giving up is not an option.
Praise God for His salvation and this hope we have in eternal life with Him!