"Great occasions do not make heroes or cowards; they simply unveil them to the eyes of men. Silently and imperceptibly, as we wake or sleep, we grow strong or weak; and at last some crisis shows what we have become. -Brooke Foss WestcottI thought of this quote when I watched a powerful youtube video titled "Forgiveness: My Burden Was Made Light."
In 2007, Chris Williams was driving home with his family when their car was hit by a teenage drunk driver, killing Chris's pregnant wife Michelle, his son Ben, and his only daughter Anna.
The immediate forgiveness Chris showed toward the young man responsible for the tragedy was amazing! While feeling totally crushed and grieving over his loss Chris still had an incredible ability to show love and compassion for the young man, much like our Savior would.
The quote above reminds me of a comment in the video when Chris's stake president noted that it was almost as if Chris's whole life had been preparing him all along for this event.
Heroes are not made in the moments but it's the choices they make along the way that prepare them to be heroic when the occasion arises. I really do believe that.
It's hard to watch the video and not feel deeply touched by this good man. His ability to freely forgive after his devastating loss has to be the result of a lifetime of striving to be Christlike in manner and deed.
It's been 3 years since the tragic accident and Chris is able to state that he is "grateful that God allows tragedies and trials in our lives because they help us love." I don't think there is anything else I can to add to that! Except that if you haven't watched the youtube video, make sure you do!
Also, the picture for this post is unrelated in any way to the text, although I also find the picture inspiring - so it worked for me.
