"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if
you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15
Life can be full of surprises and unexpected blessings...
you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15
Life can be full of surprises and unexpected blessings...
Recently, I received a letter in the mail from a stranger. He was a retired New York City Police officer who is now living out west. He had recently come across two journal entries of mine, one of which was about the death of a fellow New York City police officer who was well known among their ranks. While the other entry was on his belief in forgiveness.
The officer whom I wrote about, however, was the well respected and admired Detective Stephen McDonald. He was 59 when he passed away. While years earlier he was rendered paralyzed when a young man shot him during an encounter in Manhattan's Central Park.
As a result of being shot, Patrolman McDonald lost the use of his legs. But the incident changed the direction of his life altogether. After a time of learning how to navigate without his legs, Officer McDonald began to pursue the idea of granting forgiveness to his assailant. Thus, began something of a movement of mercy where Officer McDonald even went on to help the man who shot him to get back on his feet once he got out of prison.
While in time the now Detective had become a much in demand speaker and advocate on forgiveness. He would speak in schools and in other venues. He was featured in books, and many articles were written about him as well. This is how I learned about him.
I even wrote about Detective McDonald during the years I was taking classes at Sullivan County Community College, which is part of the State University system of New York. By this time Detective McDonald had become something of a role model on forgiveness.
So after reading my two journal entries about Detective McDonald, the now retired police officer was moved to write and tell me how much he liked what I wrote. I was grateful for his comments, and for the opportunity to honor Detective McDonald who inspired me as well.
Detective McDonald was a deeply religious man who stood for Christian values. He went on to become an advocate for mercy and forgiveness. He never condoned what that young man did to him, but neither did he brood in a state of bitterness by refusing to forgive.
My journal entries about Detective McDonald are, "Why Forgive," and "The Final Salute."
Rest in peace, Detective McDonald. May we all follow your example.
D.B.
The officer whom I wrote about, however, was the well respected and admired Detective Stephen McDonald. He was 59 when he passed away. While years earlier he was rendered paralyzed when a young man shot him during an encounter in Manhattan's Central Park.
As a result of being shot, Patrolman McDonald lost the use of his legs. But the incident changed the direction of his life altogether. After a time of learning how to navigate without his legs, Officer McDonald began to pursue the idea of granting forgiveness to his assailant. Thus, began something of a movement of mercy where Officer McDonald even went on to help the man who shot him to get back on his feet once he got out of prison.
While in time the now Detective had become a much in demand speaker and advocate on forgiveness. He would speak in schools and in other venues. He was featured in books, and many articles were written about him as well. This is how I learned about him.
I even wrote about Detective McDonald during the years I was taking classes at Sullivan County Community College, which is part of the State University system of New York. By this time Detective McDonald had become something of a role model on forgiveness.
So after reading my two journal entries about Detective McDonald, the now retired police officer was moved to write and tell me how much he liked what I wrote. I was grateful for his comments, and for the opportunity to honor Detective McDonald who inspired me as well.
Detective McDonald was a deeply religious man who stood for Christian values. He went on to become an advocate for mercy and forgiveness. He never condoned what that young man did to him, but neither did he brood in a state of bitterness by refusing to forgive.
My journal entries about Detective McDonald are, "Why Forgive," and "The Final Salute."
Rest in peace, Detective McDonald. May we all follow your example.
D.B.