Left to Tell

A few weeks ago I posted a photograph from the Rwandan Genocide while I was reading Left To Tell, a book by Immaculée Ilibagiza, who survived the genocide by hiding in a bathroom for three months. I feel that this book accurately conveys the truth of the genocide and I encourage you all to read it. 

There are few things that surprise in the current age: crime, although abhorred by most, is extremely present, and many are murdered every day. However, Left to Tell did surprise and even shock me. The Rwandan Genocide was a name stored in the corner of my mind that recalled the Holocaust, but only vaguely and abstractly. I knew the denotation of the word genocide, but I could not understand the magnitude of the phrase until I read Immaculée Ilibagiza’s narrative.

The horror of the Genocide is contrasted sharply with Ilibagiza’s actual narrative, which was a story more about her path to faith and her friendship with God than any death that occurred during the massacre. Further examination of Immaculée’s situation continued to amaze not only on a horrific note but also on a very spiritual one. No one would begrudge any Tutsi his revenge or his hatred of Hutus based on the history between the two tribes, but Ilibagiza refuses to let anger overcome her love of God and of the gospel of Christ.

This book changed the way I perceive life. It is always so easy to dislike or even loathe people I barely know, let alone those I frequently see. I never considered these feelings, and I am sure that if I had I would feel justified in my opinions, but Left to Tell made me ashamed of my conduct. If forgiveness can be given to the murderer of a family, surely I can tolerate and forgive those who merely annoy me. My experiences sound so trivial and petty, and this history has made me realize that. It has made me realize that I am just one person, but even one person can make a difference. It has made me realize that through God all things are possible, including and above all else, forgiveness.

http://www.lefttotell.com/