Criticism | Encouragement | Family | Forgiveness | Speech

FORGIVENESS
In the Babemba tribes of southern Africa, when a person acts irresponsibly or unjustly — they are placed in the center of the village, alone and unfettered. All work ceases, and every man, woman, and child in the village gathers in a large circle around the accused individual. Then each person in the tribe, regardless of age, begins to talk out loud to the accused, one at a time, about all the good things the person in the center of the circle has done in his lifetime. Every incident, and every experience that can be recalled with any detail and accuracy, is recounted. All their positive attributes, good deeds, strengths, and kindness are recited carefully and at length. No one is permitted to fabricate, exaggerate, or be facetious. The tribal ceremony often lasts several days and does not cease until everyone is drained of every positive comment they can muster about the person in question. In the end, the tribal circle is broken,…