Forgive |
It was a devastating night last night. I felt somehow betrayed and disappointed. Not sure if you know, but someone (big) came out to apologise for what was happening in his life and for what he has done. I was in shock, and very saddened. I was also very quick to judge and condemn, which is why I'd like to write about it now.
If you haven't already know, this person that I'm referring to is Israel Houghton. I was introduced to him as one of the most creative worship leader and musician. His music is really something and had touched many lives including mine. Having to read the statement he posted was heart-breaking. Here's what he wrote:
"It is with a collective heavy heart that we announce that after over
20 years of marriage and a long separation, Meleasa and I are officially
divorced. Several years ago I failed and sinned in my marriage.
Though this is new to many, it is not new to us as we have been working
through this for over 5 years. Although we tried, the challenges in our
relationship have proven too much to overcome. We have always handled
our family and ministry with grace and generosity toward
others, discretion, and privacy. So, for the sake of our amazing kids,
we are also handling this privately with pastoral oversight and
assistance. We choose to remain friendly and kind to each other going
forward. I am in the process of restoration and I have repented for my
actions. Although I am sincerely sorry, and forgiven, I soberly realize
that I will live with the consequences of my failings for the rest of
my life. As this has become a public matter I want to apologize to the
many who have supported my ministry through the years. I'm sorry for the
many who will be hurt to learn of my personal failure. I regret any
pain or disappointment that this news may cause you. We thank you for
your prayers and for allowing us to handle this privately with those who
are set over us in this process.
Prayerfully
Israel Houghton"
I read the statement 3 times, from the beginning till the end. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't too sleepy to have misunderstood. The moment the words began to sink in, I felt cheated. I felt like I was betrayed and disgusted. I cried a river. And to be very honest, I don't even know why I was feeling that way! Curiosity took over me and I went to his page to read what others may have felt. I thought that people will start condemning him for what he had done, but to my surprise, not even one post that was condemning. Everyone says things like "we've got your back", "thank you for confessing", "We won't judge you" etc. I began to realise that it is not my job to judge and condemn and there is a reason why this happened - that human beings are human beings, we tend to do wrong things, we tend to make stupid decisions, whether we are a ministry leader, a pastor or someone with a huge title or not. But most importantly is that we gather enough courage to come clean and repent. I thank God for those who wrote the posts. They showed me that God's mercy and grace is as real as ever!
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