I keep thinking of the gifts of my own upbringing, which I once took for granted: I can read any book I choose and comprehend it. I can write a complete sentence and punctuate it correctly. If I need help, I can call on judges, attorneys, educators, ministers. I wonder what I would be like if I had grown up without such protections and supports. What cracks would have turned up in my character?

Mercy is "stronger and more God-like than vengeance".

people are more than the worst thing they have ever done in their lives

Lavish love on others receive it gratefully when it come to you. Cultivate friendship like a garden. It is the best love of all.

The important thing is that when your come to understand something you act on it, no matter how small that act is. Eventually it will take you where you need to go.

In sorting out my feelings and beliefs, there is, however, one piece of moral ground of which I am absolutely certain: if I were to be murdered I would not want my murderer executed. I would not want my death avenged. Especially by government--which can't be trusted to control its own bureaucrats or collect taxes equitably or fill a pothole, much less decide which of its citizens to kill.

There are spaces of sorrow only God can touch.