6-Year-Old Shark Victim Can Teach Us How to Forgive

COMMENTARY | Shark attacks have been in the news quite a bit recently. This week an attack off the coast of Russia left a teenager without his arms; the following day, another teen lost his legs in the same waters, reports The New York Times. Frightening shark encounters have not just happened in Russia, but here at home as well. Sometimes it feels like we live in a world where we are metaphorically attacked by sharks every day.

The story of a young child who was severely bitten by a shark in the United States reminded me how much we can learn from children who haven't been hardened by life's rough patches. They can often teach adults a thing or two if we take time to listen. Lucy's story is one of those.

Six-year old Lucy Magnum was enjoying her day, playing in shallow water off North Carolina's Ocracoke Island, when suddenly she was attacked from behind by a 5 foot shark. The shark bit the little girl twice while her mother was just a few feet away.

Fortunately, her mother was able to put enough pressure on the injury to slow the gush of blood that was coming out of Lucy's leg. She was flown to the nearest hospital. Though she needed extensive surgery, the doctors were able to save her leg.

What struck me about this story was the little girl's comment to her mother. Lucy said, "I don't care that the shark bit me. I forgive him."

Her father Craig said , "We told her as soon as the shark finds a mailbox, he's going to send her a letter of apology."

The family said they realized it was only a case of mistaken identity and the shark really didn't want to eat her. That's why he took a bite and swam away.

Lucy is a wise little girl, and so are her parents. How many of us can say we would forgive something or someone that has harmed us so badly? Many people I know allow their lives to be consumed with stories of how badly they were treated by their parents or how an ex-spouse or lover has wronged them. It's so much easier to have an excuse for the way you live your life. You don't have to take responsibility.

Allowing a betrayal to shape who you are can eat you up inside, not just mentally and emotionally but physically too. You're more apt to have a poor outlook on life by allowing your negative feelings to take control. By holding a grudge, you become so wrapped up in it that you can't enjoy the present. You're likely to become depressed and anxious. Letting go can allow you to heal.

The Dalai Lama has a simple explanation for the importance of forgiving: " If you keep grudge, then you'll get more suffering. If you give forgiveness, then you feel more -- more relieved."

When you find yourself in an unforgiving, angry state, remember the words of little Lucy Magnum . "I don't care that the shark bit me. I forgive him."