Nine years after a brutal 11-year civil war, a community center in a tiny village in Sierra Leone reflected the community itself -- burned and charred, weeds growing, “left alone and untended.” Then a drummer appeared, and began a rhythm that signaled a time to gather. Little by little, the community came, built a fire out of the debris, and within the safety of the circle, a Village Chief invited them to finally talk about what had happened. “He urged people not to be afraid to speak, emphasizing that those who confessed would not be prosecuted, nor would there be any shame for sharing how you had been hurt.” Almost immediately, a young man came forward and admitted to a crime that seemed unforgivable, yet he was forgiven that very evening. “By the will to acknowledge, apologize, and forgive…together,” they were able to move forward to restore community, no longer imprisoned by their past.
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