An Apology
A breath of fresh air this morning! The editorial in The Dallas Morning News reported on the steps some people took to heal an egregious wound – the inexcusable racist chant sung by former OU Students on their fraternity bus. It is worth reading.
Thank God for Oklahoma State Sen. Anastasia Pittman for offering the hand of forgiveness –and showing us how to follow suit.
She sought one young man out, extending “. . . [Levi Pettit] the opportunity to make right on his mistake,” one that forever changes the trajectory of his life.
And thank God for Levi Pettit who admitted his wrongness:
“There are no excuses for my behavior,” the Highland Park High School graduate said. “I never thought of myself as a racist. I never considered it a possibility. But the bottom line is that the words that were said in that chant were mean, hateful and racist.” Healing Racial Wounds.
It is an apology whose pattern is worth remembering; a pattern Christians can emulate. The Lord tells us when someone wrongs us – sins against us – go to that person, and tell them. (Matthew 18:15) And He warns us, if we think someone has something against us – go immediately to that person! (Matthew 5:23-24)
If it’s tempting to dismiss this account with an “Easier said than done,” then remember the courage of Sen. Pittman and Levi Petit!
Some personal experiences: