We have many examples, both of the famous and unknowns, who demonstrate such incredible compassion and understanding in the face of devastation and it is an example I can only hope to follow even to a degree.

Also, I have loved the story of the woman whose baby died. I think I read it in one of Pema Chodron’s books. It helped me through a very challenging time when my dad died and another major “loss” occurred at the same time.

I found strength in recognizing my humanity in sharing loss with others throughout the world. It was that and knowing that I was given the gift of a unique life (as we all are) and recognizing I had choice in how I wanted to respond to my life, even in my darkest moments.

Thanks for these wonderful pieces of inspiration and compassionate love.

Lauren
.-= Lauren´s last blog ..What Maintenance Level Are You? =-.

Thank you for your article on the Biehl family and forgiveness. I work for the Amy Biehl Foundation in South Africa and would like to share with you what we do.

The Amy Biehl Foundation is a non-profit organisation whose programmes are designed to develop and empower youth in the townships and contribute to community building efforts as a mechanism to reduce the levels of crime and violence in these areas and to give these children a brighter future. Our mission statement of “weaving a barrier against violence” is achieved by providing educational and cultural activities that offer students healthy alternatives to crime, drugs, sex, idleness and negative influences and unlocks their creative talent with the aim of giving them opportunities to become future leaders, entrepreneurs and well rounded citizens in a global society. Our programmes currently reach over 3,000 children every week, and include:

After School Care , Sport including soccer, hockey, swimming and the first and only Golf Driving Range in a township, Music, Including Violin, Guitar, Recorder, Marimba, Choral Singing, and Brass Band, HIV / AIDS Peer Education, Greening and Environment, Creative Arts, Including Drama and Dance (Kwaito, Modern, Traditional and Ballet), Youth Reading Role Models & Prison Outreach.

These programmes place a focus on the creative side of the children’s brains, and supplement the shortcomings of the educational systems. There are great inadequacies in the impoverished township schools in which we work, creating a dire need for our programmes. During the course of the school day many students are not given the opportunity to tap into the creative side of their brain. Through our programmes we allow children to supplement what they learn during the course of the school day with creative programmes that let them express themselves and think freely in an imaginative environment. Providing these students with meaningful opportunities helps to grow the economy moving forward, as the next generation will be better equipped to deal with the challenges of tomorrow.

The number of children we are able to reach is dependant on the amount of support we get. Funding and support is needed to continue and grow our vast array of programmes so we can continue our vision of providing a brighter future with greater opportunities for children from disadvantaged communities.

Please also visit our website http://www.amybiehl.co.za for more information.

Warm regards
Ilchen

Great example of compassion, which needs to be practised all over.

Big thank you to the Biehls, who through their strength & compassion, provide us with hope, and some very important lessons.