Christian Living

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When Forgiveness Commands
© 2011

by

Stephen A. Peterson


Stanley Melson was teased relentlessly by his high school classmates about his 5’ 1” stature, his thin frame, and the two front teeth that protruded from his upper lip. Because of the two front teeth, Stanley was given the nickname “Beaver”. Stanley was made so aware of his less than normal physical attributes that he isolated himself from as many people as he could.

When graduation arrived, Stanley was so happy to finally get away from the main source of his greatest misery. Three months after he completed high school, many of his classmates were making plans to enter the colleges of their choice. “Hey, Beev! What college are you going to?”

“I ain’t going to college?” he responded defiantly.

“Why aren’t you going? These days you’ve got to have a college degree if you’re going to get a good job.”

“I don’t wanna go to college. So I ain’t going!”

“Yeh, that’s like you, Beev. Too dumb to get it. I just bet you just can’t get into a college.” The group went off laughing with their put down of Stanley.

After much thought, Stanley decided to join the Army. “If I get away from here, maybe people will leave me alone. I can start over. Make friends. Be respected. Make a fresh start.”

On the day he left on the bus to go to Basic Training, Stanley thought of what military life would be like. Maybe he might build a monumental bridge as an engineer. Perhaps save lines as a medic. Or lead squads, platoons or companies to be the best soldiers I can be. I can be somebody. I’ll never come back to this place! Ever!”

During Basic Training, Stanley scored a perfect score on his Physical Readiness Test; achieved expert with a perfect score on the rifle range; made the highest scores on all of his courses and was responsible for saving the lives of four peers. For his efforts as well as performance, Stanley was named “Basic Trainee of the Cycle.” His skills and soldiering did not go unrecognized by the cadre. Stanley was called in to be interviewed by the Battalion Commander.

“Private Melson, “said the Battalion Commander. “I’ve been watching you on and off during your training. You are an outstanding soldier. One of the best I’ve seen in my 18 year Army career. I see here that you’re just out of high school.”

“Yes, sir,” he responded.

“I’ve recommended you to the Commanding General, and he agreed that you would be a great officer! It is our belief that you would be an equally great student at West Point. So we have recommended you for entry at the Academy. Your high school grades were great! So why didn’t you go to college, Private?

“Sir, it is a very long story. I just wanted to be in the Army, sir.”

“Okay, I can accept your explanation. So what do you say, Private Melson?”

“Sir, I don’t know. Are you sure, sir?”

“I’m as sure as I have ever been, Private Melson.”

“Then I’ll do it, sir!”

Stanley went on to West Point where he graduated at the top of his class. As a junior officer, Stanley performed well above his peers wherever he was placed. In time, Stanley was promoted to become a two star General. During the first Iraq War, Stanley’s command distinguished themselves well. Stanley’s sub commands likened him to General Patton in his battle field tactics and drive. He would be on the battlefield leading, commanding and engaged. Soon after his tours in Iraq, Stanley was brought back to Washington and promoted to a three star General and given a spot on the Joint Chief of Staff. Within a brief time, Stanley was promoted become the Chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff by the President.

As Stanley prepared to enter his office, he received a letter from the mayor of his childhood town. He had been in many battles and had been in many pressure situations but to receive a letter from his childhood town brought back memories of being bullied; going through mental anguish and shame from fellow students, teachers, school administrators and members of the community. He was so shakened that he went into his office, shut the door and cried. Thirty-two years before, he swore he would never, ever return to the town, the high school or community that so brutalized him—up until them he never did.

In the letter, Stanley was referred to as an American hero and distinguished person by the mayor. When he looked at the name of the mayor, it was a name of one of his tormentors. After a five minute prayer, Stanley sat down to weite his letter of acceptance.

Arriving in town, Stanley immediately went to the mayor’s office. “Good morning, General! Come on in!” said the mayor nervously. “Would you please come into my office?”

“Thank you, Mr. Mayor.”

“General, I’ve followed your brilliant military career in service to our country. I commend you for your service to our nation. I remember when we were kids. Stan, General, would you please accept my apology for my behavior towards you. It was shameful. It was so wrong. Can you find it in your heart to forgive me and this town who wronged you?” as tears bowed head.

“Al, Mr. Mayor, can you forgive me? I swore that I would never return. I hated this town, you and everybody who lived here except my parents and siblings. It kept me from attending my family’s events. When my dad died, I basically forced my mom to take my dad to another town before I’d come to this area to go to his funeral. This was wrong. I suffered for my unforgiving those who offended me.: he said tearfully.

Both men stood up shook hands then they left until the festivities set for the next day. Before the General was introduced to the standing room only crowd, the mayor said:

“Before I introduce our esteemed guest, I wish to issue a public apology. More than
thirty years ago I and many people in our beloved town brutalized the man we now
recognize as a hero. We publicly shamed him; called him disgusting names and tried
to destroy his character. We also damaged his relationship between him, his family
and this community. We’re sorry Stan, General. Please, forgive us for the wrong we did
to you.”

The mayor quietly sat down.

The crowd, only moments before, was so noisy now was silent that any thing that move would have been heard. Those old enough to remember shred tears of regret. Anticipation of what Stanley would grasped the crowd.

Stanley stood before the silent crowd: “Please forgive me for my anger with each of you. What I’ve learned is that responding to hate with hate is wrong. I forgive each of you. Thank you.” He then sat down.

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