TV movie Amish Grace is a story of forgiveness based on true events from Nickel Mines, Penn. On Oct. 6, 2006, a serene Amish community was rocked to its core when a man entered a schoolhouse and took 10 girls hostage. He started shooting and then killed himself. Five of the girls died.
When the Amish respond with mercy and forgiveness, even reaching out to the shooter’s widow, Amy Roberts (Tammy Blanchard), people question the authenticity of their faith. It seems incomprehensible that forgiveness could be offered for such a horrific act. But the community continues to believe that even in their grief they should respond with grace.
But it’s not so easy for one of the girls’ mothers. For Ida Graber (Kimberly Williams-Paisley) offering forgiveness is betraying her daughter. She is tormented by grief and struggles with the expectation from her husband and others in her community to forgive. She questions her faith and the life she has always known.
This movie shows a realistic response through characters who forgive even while also suffering incredible pain, anger and even guilt. The most significant point made in the film comes from a victim’s mother explaining how she forgives: hour-by-hour. Amish Grace serves as a great reminder that forgiveness can be a long, ongoing journey, but always one worth taking.
Although Amish Grace is based on a violent event, there are no gruesome scenes. This movie airs on the Lifetime Movie Network on Sunday, March 28. Check local listings.
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