Last week I Five Min. Power Message #28, which was the story of a 6 year old boy named Jacob, who lost his life in a senseless shooting. His family later took to social media to say how blessed they were to have loved Jacob and how much he taught them about love and forgiveness. Then the shocker; the parents stated that they already knew that Jacob had forgiven the teenager who indiscriminately fired into a group of kids at recess, taking his life. Here is the message if you missed it; Five Minute Power Message #28
On a related note and with thanks to my dear friend, coach Joe Lombardi, I just watched a similar story of love and forgiveness that is equally touching and worthy of sharing.
Former basketball star and coach, Monty Williams lost the love of his life Ingrid one year ago in February, 2016. Here is a link to his eulogy of her, which has now been viewed by thousands on YouTube; Monty Williams eulogy of Ingrid Williams
As you watch this seven minute message, you have to be impressed by Monty’s composure and his ability to see his family’s devastating loss through divine lens. He strings together a series of meaningful scriptures which comfort the hearers and let you know that he knows that God is in charge. It’s plain to see how crazy in love he was with Ingrid and that his horizontal love for her was strengthened because of his vertical love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Similar to Jacob’s family, Monty reminded those gathered during his remarks to also pray for the other family, the ones who lost their daughter, the reckless driver clocked at 88 mph in a 40 mph speed zone who caused the tragic accident. Monty said “we have no ill-will towards her and please remember her family in your prayers.”
WOW- rather than living in bitterness and anger, Monty chose to forgive and even show empathy for the family of the perpetrator.
Maybe you’ve have had to deal with similar loss. I’ve only been called upon to forgive far less egregious actions. Regardless, I hope we can all learn from Jacob’s family as well as from Monty Williams, as they provide a glimpse into the very heart of God, who in the person of Jesus Christ said of the men who were responsible for his death by crucifixion in Luke 23:34, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”
Phil Henry is a financial adviser and also an ordained minister who founded and produces short videos and blogs at Phil Henry Power Gospel.