EP. 21: Gary Witherall...Forgiving the Unforgivable

Join me today as we sit down with Gary Witherall. Gary’s journey is an extraordinary testament to the power of having your life being built on the Rock of Jesus Christ and also the transformative force of forgiveness. A pivotal moment in Gary's life occurred during his mission work in Lebanon with his first wife, Bonnie. Tragically, a terrorist walked into the medical clinic where Bonnie was tending to pregnant women and executed her. The unimaginable grief and shock could have led Gary down a path of anger and hatred, but he faced a choice at that very moment—a choice between sowing seeds of bitterness or cultivating seeds of forgiveness and love. Gary's decision to choose forgiveness amidst the bloodshed and loss is a testament to the depth of a loving God who never leaves us or forsakes us. The metaphorical imagery of seeing his wife's blood on the clinic floor became a profound realization of the forgiveness he had received through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. In that agonizing moment, Gary opted for forgiveness, allowing him to embark on a journey of lament—a process of mourning with a foundation of hope. The narrative is not just a recounting of tragedy; it is a powerful reflection on the human capacity to rise above profound suffering through faith. Gary's ability to find solace and hope through lamentation mirrors the Christian belief in the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice. Gary’s story challenges us to reflect on the strength that can be derived from choosing forgiveness and love, even in the face of the most harrowing circumstances.