Even as Christ Forgives You, So Also Do Ye
Elder Echo Hawk taught about the "essential and precious gift of forgiveness, offered to all from our Savior and Redeemer, Jesus Christ.
As I listened to this talk, it hit close to home. He said, "On a December night in 1982, my wife Terry and I were awakened by a phone call to our home… As I answered the phone, I heard only sobbing. Finally, my sister’s struggling voice said, “Tommy is dead.” Elder Echo Hawk told about his brother Tommy who was killed by a drunk driver in 1982 in a suburb of Denver. He had crashed violently into the car driven by his brother and instantly killed him and his wife Joan.
The circumstances were different but I thought of my brother Les. I also got a call a little after midnight in November of 1988. I knew it was probably not good news. My Mom told me that my brother and best friend had been shot, also in a suburb of Denver. She didn't know the details and she said she would call back later. A few minutes later my sister called and told me Les had died. I was not able to process that news, I was in shock. I didn't sleep the rest of night.
A court sentencing was held for the man the killed Les, and he was convicted of second degree murder, and the drunk driver was found responsible for Tommy's death.
Elder Echo Hawk's parents and sister, along with the drunk driver's parents attended the hearing. The drunk driver's parents wept after the hearing concluded. Elder Echo Hawk said, "After a moment, my parents and sister stood up and walked to the driver's parents, and offered them words of comfort and forgiveness." There was "deep sorrow and tears for all and a recognition that both families had suffered immensely. Mom, Dad and Katy led the way with their quiet strength and courage, and showed our family what forgiveness looks like."
Elder Echo Hawk said that this example softened his own heart and opened a pathway to healing. "Only with the help of the Prince of Peace was my painful burden lifted. My heart will always miss Tommy and Joan, but forgiveness now allows me to remember them with unfettered joy."
My brother's death was especially difficult for my Mom and Dad. My Mom was never the same. Dad was able to forgive and experience a more complete healing. I was surprised, but I never felt much anger, my heart was broken, and I have never experienced such a deep sadness. I miss my brother, but forgiveness does bring peace.The horror of that night is not what I think about, but how grateful I am for the time I did have with my brother. I looked forward to seeing him again.
While individuals must be held accountable for their criminal acts and civil wrongdoings, sons and daughters of God who follow Jesus Christ "are to be forgiving even when it seems others may not warrant our forgiveness," Elder Echo Hawk said.
"We can all receive unspeakable peace and partnering with our Savior as we learn to freely forgive those who have 'trespassed against' us. This partnering brings the Savior's power into our lives in an unmistakable, never-to-be forgotten way."
In closing, he said, "By having a forgiving spirit and acting upon it, like my parents and oldest sister, we can realize the promise of the Savior: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid'" (John 14:27).
As I listened to this talk, it hit close to home. He said, "On a December night in 1982, my wife Terry and I were awakened by a phone call to our home… As I answered the phone, I heard only sobbing. Finally, my sister’s struggling voice said, “Tommy is dead.” Elder Echo Hawk told about his brother Tommy who was killed by a drunk driver in 1982 in a suburb of Denver. He had crashed violently into the car driven by his brother and instantly killed him and his wife Joan.
The circumstances were different but I thought of my brother Les. I also got a call a little after midnight in November of 1988. I knew it was probably not good news. My Mom told me that my brother and best friend had been shot, also in a suburb of Denver. She didn't know the details and she said she would call back later. A few minutes later my sister called and told me Les had died. I was not able to process that news, I was in shock. I didn't sleep the rest of night.
A court sentencing was held for the man the killed Les, and he was convicted of second degree murder, and the drunk driver was found responsible for Tommy's death.
Elder Echo Hawk's parents and sister, along with the drunk driver's parents attended the hearing. The drunk driver's parents wept after the hearing concluded. Elder Echo Hawk said, "After a moment, my parents and sister stood up and walked to the driver's parents, and offered them words of comfort and forgiveness." There was "deep sorrow and tears for all and a recognition that both families had suffered immensely. Mom, Dad and Katy led the way with their quiet strength and courage, and showed our family what forgiveness looks like."
Elder Echo Hawk said that this example softened his own heart and opened a pathway to healing. "Only with the help of the Prince of Peace was my painful burden lifted. My heart will always miss Tommy and Joan, but forgiveness now allows me to remember them with unfettered joy."
My brother's death was especially difficult for my Mom and Dad. My Mom was never the same. Dad was able to forgive and experience a more complete healing. I was surprised, but I never felt much anger, my heart was broken, and I have never experienced such a deep sadness. I miss my brother, but forgiveness does bring peace.The horror of that night is not what I think about, but how grateful I am for the time I did have with my brother. I looked forward to seeing him again.
While individuals must be held accountable for their criminal acts and civil wrongdoings, sons and daughters of God who follow Jesus Christ "are to be forgiving even when it seems others may not warrant our forgiveness," Elder Echo Hawk said.
"We can all receive unspeakable peace and partnering with our Savior as we learn to freely forgive those who have 'trespassed against' us. This partnering brings the Savior's power into our lives in an unmistakable, never-to-be forgotten way."
Elder Echo Hawk invited everyone "to forgive completely
and let healing occur from within. And even if forgiveness does not come
today, know that as we desire it and work for it, it will come — just
as it eventually did for me after my brother's death."
"Please also remember that an essential element of forgiveness includes forgiving ourselves."
“He who has repented of his sins,” the Lord said, “the same is forgiven, and I, the Lord, remember them no more.”
In closing, he said, "By having a forgiving spirit and acting upon it, like my parents and oldest sister, we can realize the promise of the Savior: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid'" (John 14:27).
