Holiday Gifts Crafted by the Amish for Less Than $10

The tragedies for the people of the Lancaster County, Pennsylvania cannot be expressed in words that adequately describe sorrow. For many of us who have visited the Pennsylvania Dutch community the concept of physical violence toward children and this bucolic setting is unfathomable. Understanding this type of irrational tragedy is beyond most of our capabilities. The irreversible losses of all the families connected by these acts in Lancaster County.

Acts of a seriously disturbed individual and the tragic consequences to his own family and the families of the innocent little girls lost lives. Perhaps this is the culmination of all the various unfathomable acts of violence that have abruptly entered our American pastoral that makes this a time to reflect.

The Amish way is live the simple life in complete devotion to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Their unflinching belief in forgiveness of transgressors. Their strict adherence to nonviolence and objections to war as a means of solving disputes or seeking retaliation. They live their beliefs and request no financial assistance from the government. They do contribute greatly to the economy and pay taxes.

Their religious beliefs can be traced to the 1500s in Europe where their ancestors were persecuted by Protestant and Catholic alike for their religious beliefs. They were invited by William Penn to come to Pennsylvania and establish their home, free of persecution and allowed to live their religion on a daily basis. Today they are established and well -respected citizens in communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania.

So, what besides prayer and letters of condolences can the average person do to express our deepest feelings of sympathy and support for our American neighbors who have been asked to bear this tragedy. Time is said to be a healer, but perhaps we as people need to never forget this tragic moment. Perhaps by sharing our hopes and profound sorrow to one another the burden will not lay so heavily on the shoulders of the people of Lancaster County.