This I Believe – Finding Freedom in Forgiveness
I know this post may be a little heavy-hitting for my blog, but bear with me and weigh-in.
I’ve mentioned a few times that I’m a huge NPR fan. I don’t understand half of what they talkabout, but I find it calming and I might even be learning a little something in the process.
Today, I listened to This I Believe, which is a short segment where people from all over the country share one of their core beliefs. Sometimes they are touching and sometimes they are funny, but today’s segment was about Finding Freedom in Forgiveness and was absolutely shocking.
Jennifer Thompson-Cannino picked Ronald Cotton out of a line-up as the man who raped her in 1984. After 11 years in jail, DNA evidence proved that Ronald was not the rapist and he was released. Jennifer felt tremendous guilt and met with Ronald to ask for his forgiveness. He told her that he forgave her long ago because they were both a victim of the same crime. Because of their ordeal, the two are now good friends.
To me, it’s a tremendous story from both accounts, because I don’t know if I’d have the guts to face up to my mistake and apologize like Jennifer did and I don’t know if I’d have the complete lack of bitterness that Ronald has.
The two have written a book together called Picking Cotton and will be featured on 60 Minutes in a segment about mistakes in eyewitness testimonies this weekend. You can also download This I Believe free on iTunes and watch a video clip on Amazon.
So, would you be able to do what either one of them did? Stand up and confront your mistake or forgive someone who essentially took years of your life away from you?
Wow. That’s just amazing, and hits me on so many levels. My first reaction is being a rape victim myself. My attacker is still out there. I know who he is, and filed a police report – nothing ever came of it. So, reading that an innocent man spent so much time in jail for a crime he didn’t commit while so many guilty men who *did* commit those kind of crimes – well, it just infuriates me.
My second reaction, though, is as a Christian, reading how these two can reconcile and become friends, even – it’s amazing. God works in wondrous ways.
I’m really glad you shared this. I’m going to look out for this book. Thank you.
Sadies last blog post..Pepper Likes Her New Food
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Yes, I forgive but do not forget.
Sam Servedios last blog post..Start Here And Make Money
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I’m with Sam!
Scott Thurstons last blog post..Continuing Our Conversation About Word of Mouth Marketing
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That is an amazing story.
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That’s an amazing story. I would like to think that I could forgive, because it is just a waste of energy being angry or vengeful, energy wasted on someone who doesn’t deserve it. Our energy SHOULD be focused on those we love and trust. But, it’s all just theory until it’s put to the test, which I never have been. I hope I never have to.
Texan Mamas last blog post..Please Keep Books Away From Children
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I have heard Jennifer’s story before. It is amazing! I believe one of the reasons we are here on this earth, is to learn the art of forgiveness. I say art, because it is not an easy thing to do. I have had several tests in my life that meant I needed to forgive..and yes there is freedom in doing so!
Barbaras last blog post..Relax With Barbara On Wednesday 27
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If you don’t forgive, it just eats you up and you become worse for it. Forgiveness is freedom!
Christina thecoffeeladys last blog post..Why I blog…. for my friend, John.
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Wow!! That is a wonderful story!! It’s very hard to forgive and even harder to know you sent the wrong man to jail! We are so glad they are now friends.
Your FL furiends,
Samantha & Mr, Tiggers last blog post..Easy Like Sunday Morning with Samantha & Mr. Tigger
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Sadie – It really is amazing. I have the book on my wish list, too.
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Sam – feel the same way.
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Scott – I agree. I don’t see how either could forget.
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Karen – It’s a terrible and wonderful story at the same time.
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Texan Mama – I honestly don’t know if I’d be able to forgive. Like you said, I don’t think any of us know until we’re in the situation.
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Barbara – I can’t imagine the relief they both felt by forgiving.
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Christina – I agree, but I don’t know if I could forgive if I was in jail for that long for something I didn’t do. Talk about a situation that effects you entire life!
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Sam & Tigger – I think that’s the most amazing part of the story. They are now friends!
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Wow – that would be difficult to handle. I’d like to think I could be that forgiving.
I’ve done it on a very, very small level, and it does feel good – but this was such a life-changing event I know I’d be bitter.
Good for them both to be so strong and such an inspiration.
Heather in Beautiful BCs last blog post..Grade 5 Math Skills
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Hi Corrin! WOW! I agree with many of the above comments. As Texan Woman said it is hard to tell how you would act and react until the situation presented itself. It’s almost as if fate brought Jennifer and Ronald together to teach us all.
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An incredible story, and such a waste for the wrong person to serve time. However, on the plus side, they got a book deal out of it, but still… Yes I agree, if you cannot forgive it will eat you alive – though I also agree that it is not always easy to do.
Diane Scotts last blog post..Worthwhile Job Related and Internet Marketing Resources to Share With You
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Heather – They really are an inspiration. I don’t know if I could let go of the bitterness.
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Joan – I agree. What amazing individuals!
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Diane – Maybe the book deal will allow Ronald to travel and enjoy the life he missed out on a little easier.
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