Thursday, August 24, 2006

An Echo In The Courtroom

"I don't hate you but I will never be able to forgive you for what you have done...May God have mercy on you...may he have mercy on me because I will never be able to forgive you."

These are the words I heard I heard echo throughout the courtroom this morning. They burned my ears for I knew they had been spouted in utter hatred and revenge whether the woman knew it or not. Her daughter and three grandchildren had been hit by a drunk driver nearly a year and a half ago and were severely injured in the accident. This mom had been given the platform to speak to her daughter's victim and she took full advantage of it.

My heart broke.

My heart broke because the defendant was a friend. I saw the pain and remorse from a man who realized that one bad decision had turned so many lives upside down. He has lived a nightmare for the last 18 months and will most likely spend the next six in prison, away from his wife and new daughter.

But more than anything, My heart broke for the angry mom who uttered those words of hatred. Though I can't imagine the pain of watching your daughter go through suffering, through it all I saw a woman who had never fully embraced the grace of Jesus. She was unable to extend forgiveness because she obviously never seen her sin attached to the cross - for no one embraces the forgiveness of the cross and fails to extend the same, I don't care what has been done.

May the defendant grow in ways never thought possible and may the victims learn to forgive as Christ has forgiven them.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

I pray for the family that everyone will heal. Forgiveness is hard, but it's a must. I love that young man and his family as if they were my immediate family. I hate the tragedies that were caused I hope the next 6 months passes quickly for them. I pray that they can move forward and share God's grace and mercy with others. What a chance to witness.

Anonymous said...

This is what came to mind when I read your post:

And I'll praise you in this storm
and I will lift my hands
for You are who You are
no matter where I am
and every tear I've cried
You hold in your hand
You never left my side
and though my heart is torn
I will praise You in this storm

May both families realize that Jesus is near them even in the rough times and to praise Him.