Will you forgive me?

It’s funny how things happen. What’s been on my mind is the word “forgive.” That is, in order for our nation to move forward, the first step we have to take is to forgive each other. I knew that was where we had to start, but I didn’t think I’d have to go first:

Not in forgiving, but in asking for forgiveness. 

I’m asking you to forgive me, because when I shared my story, The Way I See It, I was not sensitive to the way that it could be incredibly hurtful to those who think differently from me. My heart was certainly not to brag, it was to share HOPE, that God was in this and had a plan for us all. My intention was to give hope!

However, I have this amazing brother, who loves Jesus and the world, and who works hard to advocate for the marginalized. He wrote me a letter, and with humility and grace, confronted me on how my public story was hurtful for many who felt they were on the other side.

I’m so grateful for a brother who loves me enough to privately, lovingly, and humbly confront me. There are so many things he did right when he confronted me.

1. He encouraged me with genuine affirmation. As I read through the letter I could tell that he genuinely respected me and loved me. I felt loved.
2. He didn’t question my motive. That is, he believed the best about me, my motive, my heart. In fact, he affirmed my intentions while addressing the outward situation. I didn’t feel judged.
3. He pointed me to Christ. He wasn’t just trying to be right, or trying to get me to think like him, he was trying to help me be like Jesus. I felt helped. 

Of course, the letter made me feel sad. It made my heart race and made tears come to my eyes because I felt so sad that I had caused such pain to people who God dearly loves. I still feel sad. But it’s a good sorrow. The Bible says that godly sorrow produces repentance that leads to life. That’s good!

So, I’m sorry. I’m sorry for sharing my story in such a way that people were hurt. That, perhaps, you were hurt. I AM still encouraged because I see evidence of God moving mightily in our midst, but the greatest evidence of the movement of God isn’t in certain events falling into place …

… it’s in forgiveness extended, one to another.

So, I ask you, all of you: Will you forgive me? 

And, perhaps, someone comes to mind who maybe you might need to forgive. Or someone you might need to apologize to. Or someone you might need to lovingly and humbly, and privately confront (remember the 3 points above!).

Whatever it takes, whatever side we’re on. Let’s let forgiveness flow. Thanks for extending it to me. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by people of grace and truth. Thanks, Kris, for loving me. And thank you all for reading.