21 Lions

Early 2015, I happened upon the startling images of 21 young Coptic Christian men; 20 Egyptians & 1 African. They were led along a Libyan beach to be simultaneously beheaded by extremists. They'd been abducted & then given the choice to deny their God, or lose their life. They chose death, & I will be forever marked by their united, courageous faith. The martyrs' families extended forgiveness to their executioners & expressed pride & joy in their boys' lion-hearted resolution to their final moment. What is this Love that, instead of responding in violence or submission, lays itself down for something Higher, Truer & more Beautiful?
- Andrea Frances