I watched a
news story about a boy named Christian who saw his father's mug shot on the news as the robber who stole a widow's wallet. She was visiting her husband's fresh grave when the man grabbed her purse containing $700. While Christian only saw his father once every few years, he was certain it was him. He went to the police to report it. Only fifteen years old, he felt compelled to find the woman and apologize.
She agreed tentatively to meet him in a public place, unsure of his motives.
"I'm sorry my dad robbed you. A few weeks ago he brought me $250 for a band camp I want to go on, and while I don't know if this was yours, I want you to have it." Christian handed her the wad. She was moved.
"I accept your money. Thank you. And now I want to spend it on you going to that band camp."
Both of them had been scammed, by a man who has lost his way. Yet they chose to respond with integrity. No victims here.
While we might wish that life will offer us a trouble free path, there is something to be said for adversity. Sometimes it is in the conflict, and our response to it that we find out who we really are.
