In 1960, a six—year—old named Ruby Bridges integrated New Orleans’ public schools. Every morning, through screaming crowds, federal marshals escorted little Ruby to a school now boycotted by whites. Every day, Ruby sat in a classroom—alone except for the teacher. Ruby’s father was fired, and her grandparents were forced to relocate.
One day, as Ruby walked through the mob of protesters, her lips moved.
Her teacher asked, “Did you curse them?”
“No,” Ruby said, “I was scared and prayed, ‘Please, God, try to forgive those people.'”
This is Howard Butt Jr. of Laity Lodge. In retrospect, who came out ahead? The people who hated? Or a seemingly defenseless child who refused to hate? Never underestimate the power of forgiveness … in the high calling of our daily work.
“Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
Colossians 3:13
