92: Forgiving My Mother’s Murderer: Sharon Risher

How do you forgive someone who committed unspeakable horror against someone you love? In 2015, 21-year-old white supremacist, Dylann Roof, was welcomed into a bible study at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Charleston, South Carolina. Minutes later, he opened fire and murdered nine members of the church. At his trial, the family members of those killed got the chance to speak to Roof publicly, voicing their pain; and some, in the midst of such anguish, publicly forgave him. But Sharon Risher, whose mother was shot and killed by Roof that day, was not immediately ready to forgive her mother's killer; for her, it was a long, hard road to forgiveness. Today, we discuss Sharon’s book entitled "For Such a Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness After the Charleston Massacre," which explores her journey of grief, healing, and grace after her mother’s murder. Show Notes: Mentioned in this episode Sharon’s book “For Such a Time as This: Hope and Forgiveness After the Charleston Massacre”  President Obama’s eulogy for the victims  Sharon’s NYT article “I Wish the Jury Had Not Sentenced My Family’s Killer to Death” Lee's Interview Notes Transcription Link   Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Stitcher | Google | YouTube Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter  Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com Become a Member: Virtual Only | Standard | Premium See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy  Shop No Small Endeavor Merch: Scandalous Witness Course | Scandalous Witness Book |  Joy & the Good Life Course |Searching for the Pattern Course  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices