Over the past week, Carter, Shane, and I have been reading a motivational true story that takes you into the world of Sierra Leone and how child soldiers were being used in the war. This book is called A Long Way Gone. This memoir took place in a war torn country where the only goal is survival, but that may not be enough for the main character, Ismael Beah, after being introduced in the war, and being taken bu the government to serve as a thirteen year old, had been given drugs and told to kill anybody not wearing their colors. He eventually learned how to heal and forgive himself, and went on to tell the world about how to end children being used in war.
Throughout this book, there are many central ideas that have had an impact on Ishmael and eventually the world. This central idea was leaning how to forgive oneself is an important step for healing. What I mean by this is that in the memoir, Ishmael only started healing after he forgave himself of all of the horrible acts he was forced to do.
This image shows a picture of children working in the army. During his lifetime, Ishmael had to do many horrible things. That is why it was so hard to forgive himself. At the age of 13ish, he had to do things most people wouldn't do in their lifetime. The reason he eventually was able to forgive himself was because of the people supporting him in UNICEF, like Esther. His forgiveness of himself began when Esther says "None of this is your fault." (Beah 165) This is the day when the forgiveness of himself began. He eventually was able to forgive himself, and then later was able to help other child soldiers.
Forgiving yourself can be one of the most important things to do if you want to heal.This link shows many strategies on how to forgive yourself. One of the best ones that I think Ishmael did was talk to the people who want to help. On the website, the most similar one is probably keeping a journal.
After healing, Ishmael became a great person and was able to be successful in life.
Throughout this book, there are many central ideas that have had an impact on Ishmael and eventually the world. This central idea was leaning how to forgive oneself is an important step for healing. What I mean by this is that in the memoir, Ishmael only started healing after he forgave himself of all of the horrible acts he was forced to do.
Forgiving yourself can be one of the most important things to do if you want to heal.This link shows many strategies on how to forgive yourself. One of the best ones that I think Ishmael did was talk to the people who want to help. On the website, the most similar one is probably keeping a journal.
After healing, Ishmael became a great person and was able to be successful in life.
Excellent blog post, very well written. I particularly like the video you found for the book, it gives a clearer picture of Ishmael. While I feel like I've read the book just by sitting in the classroom listening to everyone else talk about it, this post makes it sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteHey Shashank, I love your blog post and the video. This post gives a clear realization of Ishmael's childhood as a child soldier. I read A Long Way Gone in the future.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for including the video, Shashank! Most people (including myself) only use pictures, but you've really opened it up!
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