Immaculee Ilibagiza and the Power of Forgiveness

Frustrations In Perspective

A few weeks ago, I had one of those days.  You know what I’m talking about.  You’re going to a meeting when someone suddenly cuts you off.  You decide to grab a quick cup of coffee at Starbucks.  Instead of moving at the normal fast pace, the line seems to take forever.  Finally getting your coffee, you glance at your watch and think you have just enough time to make it to the meeting.  But when you rush back out to your car, you find someone has decided to park behind you.  After locating the offending car owner, you are back on your way only to get a phone call asking if you could delay the meeting until tomorrow.

Life’s frustrations.  It’s so easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget what truly matters.

During this particularly frustrating day, I heard something that immediately changed my point of view.  Immaculee Ilibagiza was visiting Nashville in a few weeks.  Just thinking of her story changed my perspective in an instant.

Do you know her story?

One of the Most Powerful Stories I’ve Ever Heard

Immaculee grew up in Rwanda and had a fairly normal life until 1994 when everything changed.  Hutu extremists seized control of power and began a genocide that would rip her world apart.  Immaculee hid for 91 days with seven other women in a small bathroom as killers searched for them.

When she finally walked out of the bathroom, she weighed only 65 pounds.  Her family and friends were all viciously murdered.  It’s estimated that up to one million people were killed.

If that were the end of the story, it would be another horrific tragedy for history.  Incredibly, Immaculee found peace and forgiveness in the midst of one of the world’s most horrific events.  She began a deep, spiritual journey in that bathroom and developed a life of prayer that transformed her.  She’s personally forgiven the people who murdered her family and friends.

When you meet her, there’s not a trace of anger or hatred.  You sense only peace, forgiveness and love.  She has a presence and an awareness that we can all learn from.

“

The love of a single heart can make a world of difference. Immaculee Ilibagiza

The story of what happened to Immaculee hiding in that bathroom, and how it fundamentally transformed her life is something I will never forget.  Of all of the stories I’ve ever heard, this one had a profound and lasting impact on me.  You can read about it in her best-selling book Left to Tell.

Immaculee also holds retreats where you can see her in person or register to watch online.  You can learn first-hand how the power of prayer and forgiveness can offer healing and light.  To learn more about Immaculee’s story, her books and her retreats, visit her website:  http://www.immaculee.com/.

Her perspective will help you with:

  • The ability to let go of past hurts and pain
  • The power of forgiveness
  • The healing that comes from prayer

What Really Matters

Hearing her inspirational story again, I’m reminded of what really matters.  It’s a powerful reminder that no amount of traffic, of busyness, of work or life stress is worth an ounce of concern.  Immaculee was “left to tell” her story and share its lessons with the world in a way that inspires, uplifts and encourages.

 

Have you recently had one of the days I describe where you feel stressed over the “small stuff”? Watching Immaculee and hearing her story, are you motivated to forgive someone you thought you just couldn’t? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
  • 9781401935818
  • 9781401918880
Please note: Your e-mail address will not be displayed. I do reserve the right to delete comments. See my comments policy.

  • Pingback: Leadership Lessons from Over 50 Thought Leaders

  • MJGottlieb

    Very inspirational. Haven’t read the books but story sounds horrifying yet equally as heroic at the same time. What I learned most from the interview is the tremendous power of forgiveness when, for all practical purposes, one should be seeking revenge. Praying for the people who killed your family is truly amazing. 

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      MJ, I agree and it freed her up to accept the good things ahead for her. Easy to think about it theory, quite another thing when it is your own life.

  • http://sparkvoice.wordpress.com/ DS

    This story should remind everyone that the simple problems we face daily are nothing in comparison to what others face across the world.  We are truly fortunate to live where we do and to enjoy the luxuries we do.  A great story to challenge our own reality and selfish view on life.

    Thanks for sharing this truly inspiring story; an unspeakable experience; all in one.

    Also – the improvement in audio quality is fantastic.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

      I love the way you put that “our own reality and selfish view on life” because it’s all too easy to become self-absorbed in our culture.  When you hear her story, you simply gain an entire new perspective.  I will never tire of hearing her message.

      (And yes-the new microphones have been a plus.)

  • http://www.brandongilliland.com/ Brandon Gilliland

    Wow! What an awesome story!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       So glad you enjoyed. She is remarkable.

  • http://intentionaltoday.com/ Ngina Otiende

    I visited Rwanda in 2006. Walking through the genocide museum, we were broken, shocked by what we saw. What she shares – wondering about the existence of God and humanity of people – hovered so close. Yet we were a visiting missionary group, in Rwanda to evangelize and serve. We actually had to gather together and pray specifically, that our hearts and minds would be cleansed and we would see things through God’s eyes.

    Sweating the small stuff  feels silly now..as it did then. Once you see what others have gone through, you wonder why God has made life so easy for you. But being the comfort-creatures we are, we forget and move on with life..stressing out even smaller stuff.

    That’s why we need to hear these stories, these reminders. 

    Thank you for sharing her story. It’s truly life-changing.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Thanks for adding this thoughtful perspective, too. You saw it first-hand.

  • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

    That is quite the life story. And faintly similar to a girl I went to school with. Her and her family had to leave her native country due to civil war and genocide issues. 

    Your question makes me laugh as I had two of those types of days in a row. First was just general frustration that built and built. And then the following day I had dog problems. Pales in comparison to the issues Immaculee has faced.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Sure does Joe. Makes me feel silly to even have a twinge of stress in comparison!

  • Joy Prichard

    This is a powerful message of forgiveness. I’m glad I got to see her at the event at Lipscomb. I learned a lot from her. She is a great role model.

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       I am so glad you got to see her in person, too.  I’ve been recommending Left to Tell for many years.

  • Susan Remington

    Now that is a story that puts life in perspective in a hurry. Wow. She went through the worst possible stuff and still is positive and forgiving. A great lesson.

    • http://www.jmlalonde.com Joe Lalonde

      Right Susan! I couldn’t imagine going through the issues she has faced.

      • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

         Me either. It’s incredible to see her positive attitude despite it all.

  • Tom

    Skip: My wife often says, “A person with an opinion will always be at the mercy of a person with an experience.” So often it seems that people teach or preach forgiveness out of platitudes and principles, while lacking the motivation of a powerful, defining experience. Ms. Ilibagiza’s motivation comes across as pure as her name. No doubt, people hear her or read her story and think, “WOW! If she can do it, surely I can too.” I bet Jesus stands alongside her, smiles and says, “That’s what I’m talking about.” Thanks for this interview, Brother!

    • http://www.skipprichard.com/ Skip Prichard

       Definitely someone who has walked where I don’t want to even think. And she radiates peace.