A look through my eyes

 Jaycee's story makes me to think about another young person who was held captive, abused, and yet,  found the courage to forgive.  He was not only sold into slavery, but sold by his brothers who were angry with him because he shared some of the dreams he'd dreamed.  While a slave, he was falsely accused, thrown into prison for a crime he didn't commit, and forgotten by those who promised to speak well of him. Ultimately he was released from prison and obtained a position where he was able to bless the very people who sought his harm.  As you may know, his name was Joseph.  You can read more about him in the book of Genesis chapters 37-50.

The ultimate story of forgiveness was demonstrated by Jesus Himself.  He lived a life free of any sin,  yet died for the sin of all mankind.  He bore the weight of the sins committed by all of us, and yet His words from the cross; "Father forgive them, for they know not what they do." He calls us to do the same, and forgive as we've been forgiven.  Not because people have asked for, or deserve our forgiveness, but as an act of obedience. 

In cases like Jaycee Dugard's, it seems like a tall order.  

Each person has to decide individulally how they want to live.  To choose to forgive is an act of obedience, and to be unforgiving is an act of disobedience. The daily choices we make will allow us to live either in the freedom of God's grace and forgiveness, or be held in the bondage created by disobedience and and unforgiving spirit.

One can only pray that Jaycee will have the grace and dignity to forgive, and in doing so, live in absolute freedom.