I am not a Republican. I am really not a full-fledged Democrat either, though I tend to identify more with the direction they take. I am not interested in a political debate about which party is best or whether or not Ford's pardon of Nixon was the right decision. I am posting about "Ford's Farewell" because I heard something in one of the many services that struck a chord with me. In his eulogy (in reference to the pardon) Dick Cheney stated, "There are far worse things for a man to be remembered for than his capacity to forgive."
I found these words both powerful and convicting as a Christian. I do not often identify with Cheney, but I cannot shake these words. No matter my political preference, I cannot escape the fact that what he said speaks to the core of who we are called to be as Christians. As followers of Christ, we are called to this kind of life. What Cheney said of Ford should be said of each of us if we are who we say we are.
I want to be remembered like that now. I want those that know me or even just come into contact with me to walk away knowing I am a Christian...and I want that to mean something. I want that to mean that I am a deeply loving and forgiving person because I know my own roots. I want others to see in me sinner saved by grace. A person who sees them with the same compassion and mercy with which she, too, is seen by God.
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Forgiveness and Ford's Farewell
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
Amen to that Julie. You might want to read my latest blog. I went to seminary with Mike Ford, and they are a fine family.
Happy New Year!
Ben
WOW on the Cheney quote!
[Stunned silence with accompanying dropped jaw for a few seconds...]
Yesterday, the History Channel ran a seemingly whole-day breakdown of each president's life and career highs and lows. My father watched much of this, and detailed some of the Nixon sleaziness that I, too young to witness the Nixon era, had missed.
Who, knowing Nixon, would pardon him?
And a little Voice inside whispers, "And Who pardoned you?"
It's humbling to think of myself in a line with Nixon and even back to P/Saul. Thank God for sending Someone to pardon me!
About 3 years ago I dropped into a black hole – four months of absolute terror. I wanted to end my life, but somehow [Holy Spirit], I reached out to a friend who took me to hospital. I had three visits [hospital] in four months – I actually thought I was in hell. I imagine I was going through some sort of metamorphosis [mental, physical & spiritual]. I had been seeing a therapist [1994] on a regular basis, up until this point in time. I actually thought I would be locked away – but the hospital staff was very supportive [I had no control over my process]. I was released from hospital 16th September 1994, but my fear, pain & shame had only subsided a little. I remember this particular morning waking up [home] & my process would start up again [fear, pain, & shame]. No one could help me, not even my therapist [I was terrified]. I asked Jesus Christ to have mercy on me & forgive me my sins. Slowly, all my fear has dissipated & I believe Jesus delivered me from my “psychological prison.” I am a practicing Catholic & the Holy Spirit is my friend & strength; every day since then has been a joy & blessing. I deserve to go to hell for the life I have led, but Jesus through His sacrifice on the cross, delivered me from my inequities. John 3: 8, John 15: 26, are verses I can relate to, organically. He’s a real person who is with me all the time. I have so much joy & peace in my life, today, after a childhood spent in orphanages [England & Australia]. God LOVES me so much. Fear, pain, & shame, are no longer my constant companions. I just wanted to share my experience with you [Luke 8: 16 – 17].
Peace Be With You
Micky
Post a Comment