His daughter was released on May 7th, 2017 after three years in captivity. She returned in a wheelchair with her arm in a sling. Bulama Jona, the father of this kidnapped Chibok schoolgirl, believes that forgiving Boko Haram is the best way to overcome the trauma.
Photo: Ofeibea Quist-Arcton/NPR
What you hold inside defines you. It either lifts you or drags you down. It makes room for possibilities or holds you captive. The it I am talking about is whatever you are holding in your mind and heart. Bulama Jona knows if you hold anger and resentment…that is what will define your life, your interactions with others, the health of your body, your ability to succeed, the possibilities for your life from here. He knows that holding gratitude and forgiveness will define these same things.
He chooses gratitude and forgiveness…not after years of therapy, not after getting an apology from the captors and not after they are convicted in a court of law. No, these are not prerequisites for gratitude and forgiveness. He chooses a life free from the bonds and attachment to what has happened and is seeding his future in the fertile soil of love…and he chooses it now.
So what in your mind and heart is holding you back? Who or what have you refused to forgive? How do you want your life to proceed from here? If you believe what you hold in your mind and heart makes a difference…what do you choose?
Bulama Jona leads the way. Prayers and gratitude for this great teacher and the Universe moving with ease and grace through each Chibok girl and her family.
All is well.
Paula
Read the full NPR story by Ofeibea Quist-Arcton.
