We sometimes think forgiveness deprives us of our human dignity when it actually restores it.
The infamous Houston murderer Karla Faye Tucker killed Ron’s sister Deborah.
Deborah and Ron had been especially close, and her murder left him enraged and consumed with bitterness for years afterward. Ironically, his life became characterized by the same things that had characterized Tucker’s life: drugs and alcohol.
But one night, Ron began reading the Bible.
He was deeply moved by the brutal crucifixion of Christ, and He gave his life to Jesus.
Ron knew his new faith would require that he forgive Tucker, but he went far beyond basic forgiveness.
Before Karla Faye was executed by lethal injection, Ron became a regular visitor to her prison cell. You see, Karla Faye had also become a Christian, and Ron encouraged her in their mutual faith.
Karla was well aware that she didn’t deserve Ron’s forgiveness, but Ron's faith gave him the power to not only love his enemy, but also accept her as his sister in Christ.
I encourage you to take a moment and read Romans 12:17-21. It describes the kind of God-sized faith and forgiveness that Ron exhibited.
Journey of Hope: Ron Carlson
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This is an outstanding example of "God Sized" Dignity through forgiveness. Thank you Gail...and good morning!!
ReplyDeleteSimply beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of the song Forgiveness by Matthew West. Touching story
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