a CALL to FORGIVENESS

I recently had the privilege to speak at a community event called “Praise in the Park,” which was held at the Cape May County Park/Zoo. It was a venue that consisted of several bands and singers performing to the praise of God in a public setting, with informational booths and fun attractions lining the outskirts of the area. The evening concluded by a special performance from the Christian band ‘Finding Favour’, whose top billboard hit song—Cast My Care—can be heard on XM Radio.  Ironically, that song would resonate in my mind and is at the heart of why I wrote this blog. It was an honor to be the one who handed the main singer the microphone as I walked off stage after sharing the story of God’s redemption in my life.And now if I may go out on a limb with my thoughts, because the Tree of Calvary is the platform where I dare to share my heart. Therefore, I am unashamed to share the truth, in love—in spite of it causing some to judge—because Jesus took all of my shame to the cross and left us with His love. That’s the truth. “I am not ashamed of the gospel of Jesus Christ”, which is the message of forgiveness and salvation to ALL, no matter the level of shame or size of a fall.Anyway, my message was how we ALL need forgiveness and we ALL need to forgive. But then I narrowed it down and said, “Though we ALL need it, there are people here who especially need it or they need to renew it.” I had no idea who was there, but I know there is always someone who needs to know they are forgiven or even those who need to be reminded to forgive. You see, for a Christian, this should be our easiest response given the fact that we are forgiven and have received mercy, and it is out of God’s mercy for us that we extend mercy to ALL.However—and sadly—it was brought to my attention via a post on my mother’s Facebook page, from a family in my community, who felt compelled to tell her that when they saw that I was the speaker, they walked out--reminding her that their son was killed by a drunk driver.  Now, I’m not one to respond to people’s resentfulness or judgment in a public domain, but when people speak under the guise of “Jesus’ name,” I will take the opportunity to unapologetically highlight God’s faithfulness and forgiveness to me and all who accept it.In my heart’s mind:  The only people who have a reason to not forgive me for what I have done is the family who was directly affected by my reckless decision to drink and drive that night. And if the family of Hort Kap found it in their hearts to forgive me, than why would another family that wears the name “Christian” feel justified in holding resentment towards me?The saddest part of this story is that the very message that God placed on my heart to share was the very message they needed to hear—but they chose not to listen. It was a call to forgiveness.I retold the courtroom experience I had with my victim’s son. And how he forgave me, though I didn’t deserve it. I concluded with a picture of another courtroom, where God’s Son was falsely on trial and yet He still forgave us, though we were responsible for His death.  God allowed such a horrific thing to fall upon Jesus, because He knew that man’s greatest need would become His greatest deed.  FORGIVENESS!I owe my God everything. I will be stopped by nothing. For His grace and mercy in my life is the only thing that I desire for people to see as the one thing they need. Don't see me. See the miracle!