Forgiveness’ freedom

In the words of George Herbert, “He who cannot forgive breaks the bridge over which he himself must pass.” Forgiveness allows us to release the emotional stranglehold that holds anger fast to our hearts. Forgiveness gives us the conviction to examine the life of a tortured man, a human being whose name is Jack Greene, and to quietly say this man needs love, compassion and, yes, forgiveness for his deeds.

Jack Greene has been shown very little mercy throughout his life; one only has to take a short peek into history to know that we would not wish on those we love any of what this man has had to endure as he witnessed his parents’ suicides, suffered beatings at the hands of his grandfather, and experienced excruciating pain and humiliation from those who repeatedly molested him at the Stonewall Jackson Juvenile Detention Center.

As a society whose members purport to value life, freedom, choice, voice, and love of God and country, it seems critical that we might also find grace-filled freedom in forgiveness. When we ask those we have entrusted to hold office to commute a sentence that carries with it a horrible death, to life without parole, we create an amazing possibility that Jack, those who know him, and friends and families whose lives were forever altered by his actions, might find something that surpasses all of our understanding. Perhaps, then, the greatest gift of all might visit each individual … peace.

Mr. Greene is awaiting execution on Nov. 9 in Arkansas.

PATTY KOHLER

Conway