The power of an apology

2 days ago Vancouver lost the Stanley Cup final. The next morning at breakfast we were shocked to find newspaper articles and TV coverage plastering images of a huge riot that broke out after the loss. I have never seen anything so destructive in the states...

I was a bit discouraged to walk around the city after that to be quite honest. But yesterday afternoon I saw something that absolutley confirms my belief that peace is possible.




The rioters may never be brought to justice for the damage they did to their city. But Vancouver did not let this beat them. In the midst of literal devastation the city found the strength to unite and rebuild. Apparently someone put the call out to clean up the damage on Facebook. Within hours thousands of people responded "attending" to clean up the broken glass, graffiti and fire damage. There are chalk messages of hope and apology everywhere we walk. Broken windows have been boarded up and the burnt cars are covered in letters of apology from people who had absolutely nothing to do with this incident. In the heart of a crisis a hero will emerge.

Thank you Vancouver for reminding the world of the power of humility and forgiveness.