I’m on the plane home from Michigan to Georgia, reflecting on this Christian faith that we say transforms our lives.
I mean, does it really?
Sometimes, I look at the Church and all I feel is cynicism. Indicators like divorce rates are the same, so where’s the hope?
Then, I get an email like this one from Karen, a member of New Life Church in Colorado Springs, scene of Matthew Murray’s recent Sunday morning killing spree.
This past Sunday our pastor (Brady Boyd, a man who hasn’t even been here a year) told us the following.
Pastor Boyd felt led to invite Matthew Murray’s family to a private meeting at the church. They were very touched to have been invited. Of course they felt devastated by what their son had done. Mental illness has many victims, not just the person who is afflicted.
The Works family, the parents and the two surviving siblings, also came. Also, Jeanne Assam, the security guard who bravely protected so many others and shot the young man was invited and came.
The Murrays apologized to the Works and to Assam for the trauma she had suffered. The two families cried and prayed with each other.
No news coverage, just precious folks who had suffered so much coming together, sharing their faith in Jesus Christ and his forgiveness.
It gives me hope that this stuff really works.
And I say, let’s see Muslims do that.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!
There it is! Jesus, on the cross, forgiveness, “Father, forgive them, they do not know what they are doing!” Again, Jesus, “Love your enemies …. ” And, here it is, 2008, U.S.A., …….. IT’S REAL! Thank you so much for this.
“Authentic Christianity”
Who would be honest enough to say that as a victims family, that that would be a difficult meeting to attend?
I WOULD
Blessings to the pastor and the families as I’m sure they received healing.
Awesome, absolutly Awesome.
Thanks Seth.
Lets see anyone who doesn’t know CHRIST do that.Forgiveness and reconciliation are hard enough,or rather imposible without HIM.He alone is my good ness.
HA! I LOVE IT!
That’s beautiful Seth. Absolutely beautiful. That is love – love that only the Father can work into our hearts.
That’s what ” IT IS” all about!!!
I’ve read about this elsewhere. This is an awesome story of reconciliation.