Short Stories

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The Forgiven Crime

She imagined him gathering what few items he had and anxiously walking through the sturdy gates that led to freedom. So close now, he could almost taste the crisp, fresh air and feel the promise of the rising sun that awaited him. Here was his second chance to start over. This man who deserved punishment for crimes he had committed was now free to begin a new life, one much different from the steel-gray bars that held him captive for 20 years.

Kayla finished reading the letter sent from her sister that stated, “David P. Warlock will be discharged from prison without parole on April 23, 2002. This means that both minimum and maximum terms will have been served. As of this date, the prisoner will no longer be under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Corrections and will be released to the community without supervision.”

A chill slithered down her spine as she thought about her mother’s killer being released, free to roam, preying out his next victim. Megan, Kayla’s sister, often sent her updates about David’s parole hearings. The Freedom of Information Act also allowed her to keep tabs on David’s file while he was incarcerated. This letter forwarded by Megan, was the final notification regarding David P. Warlock.

Gray seemed to be the apparent color for this state and no matter where you looked gray was all around, gray walls, gray floors and even gray skies. Kayla dreaded Michigan winters and longed for the sun to peek through the clouds offering a glimmer of hope as she sat daily waiting for Steve to come home from work. Being new in town, and not knowing a single soul made hour’s feel like days, especially today.

Twisting the locks of her golden-brown hair, she examined the letter with a fine tooth comb searching for typographical errors the Corrections Department surely had made. “Life” meant “life” not 20 years. The “what ifs” began circling her thoughts as she gazed towards the bookshelf that housed a collage of family photos. Kayla stared at the black and white portrait of her mother wishing, somehow, she could bring life back into her. Shades of color began to emerge as she remembered the specks of green that illuminated her mother’s eyes; the shady-brown hair that surrounded her soft, ivory skin; and endless hugs and kisses smothered with unconditional love.

Steve and Kayla Peterson, along with their two children James and Sarah, recently moved back to Michigan after spending ten years in Delaware working with new church plants. One church in particular, God had laid on their hearts to help; a pastor fresh out of college, called to minister to those, just north of the shore line. It tended to be a transit area with people moving in and out; none the less, that’s where God had called them to serve. Steve and Kayla devoted countless hours serving the community reaching the lost for Jesus. To help further the ministry, Steve considered going into seminary himself, but God had something unexpected in store . . . like moving back to Michigan. Kayla had dreaded the thought and quickly pushed the idea out of her head. But God softened her heart into obedience and she willingly accepted His lead. After many years on the East Coast, building a family, establishing friendships, and planting churches, God had a new direction for the Peterson family. Kayla took comfort in the thought of being closer to her siblings, but painful memories, which she had locked away, were now being rudely awakened.

During the years David spent in prison, Kayla never gave him much thought, until now. Memories deeply hidden began to erupt flooding her mind with unanswered questions that lingered on. She found herself digging through old newspaper articles she had saved trying to unravel the mystery of her mother’s death. A man in whom she never met . . . David P. Warlock stole a piece of her heart leaving an empty cavity never to be filled. The once, distant memories were now replaying over and over again, like a scratchy, old album of long forgotten songs.

It was springtime in 1981, when her mom kissed Kayla and her siblings’ goodbye, and left with a friend for a night out. Cheryl was a single mother raising four kids. After the divorce, she joined Parents without Partners (PWP) and often went out in hopes of meeting someone new. Nancy, a friend from PWP, had heard of this great new bar and planned on meeting some co-workers there along with Cheryl.

After several drinks, Cheryl was ready to leave; but Nancy, who was feeling quite tipsy and caught up in office politics, gave her the brush off. Feeling frustrated and wishing she had driven herself, Cheryl decided to leave with a man she had met there that night. She was never to be seen again. Days and weeks went by without a word of her whereabouts. A missing persons report was filed; search parties were formed; and fliers with her portrait were posted everywhere. Tears streamed down Kayla’s cheeks as the painful memories came flooding back. She remembered the devastating phone call from the police, breaking the news that they had discovered her mother’s body alongside a wooded area, partially clothed and badly decomposed. The man she left with that night had raped and strangled her, leaving her body to decay in the woods.

Wiping the tears from her eyes, Kayla noticed one of the newspaper clippings was torn a little on the edge cutting off part of the sentence. It read, “David P. Warlock lived in Montgom….” After comparing all the articles, she discovered that David lived on 22nd Street in Montgomery Township, only a few blocks from their apartment building. An eerie feeling crept through her bones as she sat there in disbelief.

Patrick’s Place sounded familiar to her as she continued to read. She suddenly realized that the bar where her mother was last seen was located in downtown Christiana, just a few miles away. Kayla knew exactly where it was, as she passed it every Tuesday taking Sarah to dance class. Her heart was racing, overwhelmed with her discovery. Why God, would you move us here, she questioned silently. Feeling curious, she decided to take a drive downtown.

The cobblestone streets gave Christiana an Old World charm that displayed a chain of merchants lined up and down the street. The ice-cream parlor and barber shop were near the corner of Main and Elm Street where Patrick’s Place sat across from Aunt, Annie’s Antiques.

A dark-green awning sloped down and surrounded the entranceway leading to the rich mahogany doors. Kayla pulled into a nearby parking space, and stared at the Celtic pub wondering how everything had played out that night. Retracing her mother’s steps she entered the pub and looked around. The atmosphere was surprisingly pleasant. She imagined it much different. The richness of cherry wood and Irish green accents filled the place with warmth.

“We open for lunch at 11:00,” said the waitress startling Kayla.

“Oh, I’m sorry, I didn’t realize what time it was.” She sighed, took one last glance around, and left.

The following Sunday at church, Pastor Don preached about forgiveness, loving your enemies, and praying for those who persecute you. The more Pastor Don preached the more Kayla squirmed. She couldn’t help but think that some people just don’t deserve to be forgiven. After all, David not only robbed her of her mother, but he had also committed an unthinkable sin. Surely, God doesn’t expect her to love this enemy! Kayla didn’t appreciate the Pastor directing his sermon towards her; besides, how did he know she was feeling this way?

Soon after these unsettling discoveries, Steve felt that it was best to move the family out of Montgomery Township. He feared that David would return to his hometown now that he was about to be released. They bought a small, ranch home in Grand Ledge near the center of the state. It was a longer drive to work, but Steve felt that the country was a better place to raise the children. Kayla looked forward to planting some roots and settling in; praying that this would be their last and final move.

The children adjusted quickly to their new school and befriended kids in the neighborhood. It wasn’t long before they were invited to church by a pastor they met on the soccer fields, while waiting for the kids’ games to finish. Kayla loved to sing, and soon after becoming members, she joined the worship team along with Steve who played the guitar.

Kayla sat peering out the sunroom windows that overlooked the creek flowing through their backyard. She smiled as she watched the sun’s rays glisten on the water. Signs of spring approached as the yellow daffodils began to sprout. Sometimes if she watched closely, she could see fish jumping out of the water to catch the hovering flies. The phone rang interrupting Kayla’s daydreaming. She glanced at the caller ID, recognizing the familiar number along with the disturbing date of April 23, 2002. “Hello,” she answered.

“Hi honey, I forgot to tell you that I’m meeting with Pastor Jim tonight to discuss the Small Group Ministry.”

From the moment she answered “Hello,” her head rang with alarms. Speaking from a trance like state, she managed to utter “Okay.”

It didn’t seem fair or even possible that David’s time in prison was up. April 23, 2002. Where was the justice in releasing an evil and wicked man who ultimately deserved the death penalty? Kayla felt sick, unable to grasp the reality of David being set free. Haunted with years of believing that she too, would die at an early age; she began to pray for God’s protection, fearing that David may come after her. With a constant wrestling within, she searched the scriptures looking for peace and healing. Over time, God began to move in Kayla’s heart, slowly breaking down walls constructed with years of anger and bitterness. She recalled Pastor Don’s sermon last year about forgiveness and loving your enemies; something she thought impossible was slowly becoming a reality.

It was the year that President Reagan made headlines when his attempted assassin John Hinkley shot him in the chest. And months later, millions of people witnessed Prince Charles and Lady Diana’s royal wedding broadcast around the world. This same year, David began a life of captivity where the cement walls and bars of steel grew cold and grim. All the while, the world around him swiftly moved into the 21st century capturing the age of technology. Society would take on a whole new meaning for David; after all, 20 years had passed. As Kayla pondered these thoughts, she began to feel pity for this man who she once thought deserved death. Maybe living was dying.

Seasons were taking their turns as the months passed by. Kayla laid out the red, velvet dress trimmed in white lace for Sarah to wear to the Christmas program. The children were presenting the “Candy Cane Story” for Sunday service. Kayla and Steve watched intently as the kids took turns speaking their parts. Kayla’s heart was moved as the story unraveled. She listened closely as if she were hearing it for the first time. Such a simple, but complex story of the red and white stripes that encircled the J shaped candy. The pure, white, peppermint candy striped with crimson red represented the blood Jesus shed for our sins. Tears trickled down Kayla’s cheeks as she sat overwhelmed by God’s love, knowing full well that her life would result in death if Jesus hadn’t died for her. She once thought David’s sins looked much worse than hers. But to a pure and holy God, they were both equally dark with one exception; she had been rescued. “How do I begin to thank you Lord,” she prayed silently with her head bowed.

Pastor Jim closed the service by taking up a love offering for the Angel Tree Ministry, who provide Christmas for the less fortunate children whose parents are in prison. As the plate was being passed, Kayla hesitated before reluctantly releasing the money into the shiny, gold bowl.

What about the victim’s children, who too, are growing up without a mother or father? questioned Kayla silently. Suddenly a quiet voice spoke within her saying, “But you have me.” As she shamefully burst into tears, she asked God to forgive her, realizing that Jesus was there throughout her life. Through the deep, dark valleys He held her close and carried her through. Suddenly, the walls of resentment came crashing down. Nothing was left but a pile of rubble setting her free from the years of captivity that had slowly imprisoned the depths of her soul.

The following Sunday, Kayla arrived early to prepare for worship. The sanctuary displayed an array of beautiful, red poinsettias which dressed the church for the holiday season. The gold cross, center stage, was wrapped with silver garland and shimmered with lights. Kayla looked up with a heart-filled smile and whispered, “Thank you.”

Pastor Jim had arranged for a guest speaker to fill in for him while he was attending a leadership conference in Florida. Often when the pastor was away, the congregation would be rather small; but today people were slowly filling the pews. Kayla finished organizing the music and gathered with the worship team to pray before the service began.
They opened with “O Holy Night” one of Kayla’s favorite Christmas carols. Her voice rose up from within her heart as the words rolled sweetly off her lips. After finishing with “Silent Night” a middle-aged man in a charcoal suit approached the podium and opened his Bible.

“Please turn with me to Isaiah 1:18,” he requested in a raspy voice. “Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool.”

He spoke boldly causing the usual sleepers to be attentive to his message. Kayla, startled by his voice, noticed several small scars on the right side of his face that indented when he spoke. Something about his mysterious, brown eyes kept her in suspense as his voice opposed his clean-cut appearance.

“I was pleasantly surprised when Pastor Jim asked me to fill in for him this morning. It’s not often that I get to preach in such a warm, friendly environment. My name is David Warlock and I am one of many pastors who serve on the Prison Fellowship Board.”

Kayla’s ears perked up as she took a second glance at the man on stage wondering if she had heard him correctly. Gasping for breath, she reached for her bulletin where it listed David’s name as guest speaker. Could this be possible? Could this be the same man who murdered her mother twenty-two years ago? Kayla felt the heavy weight of anxiety in her chest and shortness of breath. Her body was shaking as she tried desperately to contain herself; so as, not to make a scene. Her stomach churned as the knots tightened in the pit of her gut. Panicked and frozen with fear, she sat clinging to her Bible.

“God has burdened my heart to spread the Gospel throughout the state prisons sharing the hope we have in Jesus. I preach to men who have committed violent and heinous crimes, some so awful, that they will never see freedom again. Lives without hope, or any sense of purpose, and often filled with guilt and regret. Somewhere along the way, choices were made, drastically changing the lives of many.” Clearing his throat, David continued. “You may ask why I would invest my time reaching these lost and despicable men, when society would just as soon forget.” He paused for a moment and said, “Because I was one of them.”

Silence filled the sanctuary as the audience was captivated by his last sentence; they curiously awaited the continuation of his story. Kayla sat frozen on the edge of her pew, skeptical, but carefully listening to every word. This was the man who murdered her mother!

“When I finished my 20-year sentence, I knew I was called to share the forgiveness that God had offered me. It was ten years into my sentence when I began to feel an overwhelming sense of hopelessness. I was at the point of despair and wasn’t sure how to go on. After all, my life was meaningless and served no purpose. No one cared. A dark, gray cloud hovered over my head as my sorrow deepened. I had ten more years left to serve, which wasn’t too bad considering the crime I had committed; but what then? Hell? The light at the end of the tunnel slowly grew faint, until one day I decided to visit the prison chapel to escape the daily monotony. I found myself intently listening about God’s grace that offered hope of eternal life. Week after week, I went to chapel to learn more about this so-called forgiving God. My heart weighed heavy as I began to question the things I had done in my life. I felt that there was no way a great and holy God could forgive a murdering man like me . . . or could He?

“Desperately seeking answers I continued going to services. One Sunday, my eyes were opened as the Chaplain began sharing the story of Jesus forgiving the thief who hung on the cross alongside Him. A thief, who justly deserved his punishment, sought the mercy of Jesus asking to be remembered when He entered His kingdom. Jesus in all his humiliation and suffering answered him, ‘Today you will be with me in paradise.’ This same thief who hours earlier was hurling insults at Jesus right along with the soldiers now realized he was speaking to the Savior of the world. Jesus displayed his merciful forgiveness even before the sacrifice was completed. Romans 5:8 says, But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

“I thought, ‘Wow!’” David’s voice escalated with excitement. “For the first time, a glimmer of hope was offered to me. The weight was lifted and a new life was given. It was as if God was speaking directly to me that day saying, ‘David, I love you so much that I sent my son Jesus to die for your sins so that you too, could be with me in paradise.’ John 3:16 says, for God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

“Here I stand, once a criminal destined for hell, and deserving death. But, I was thrown a lifeline by the most powerful and amazing love that anyone had ever shown me.” His voice started to crackle as he choked back the tears. “Paradise was offered to me!” he exclaimed. Removing his glasses, he reached for his handkerchief to wipe the now flowing tears from his eyes. “Forgiveness is offered to those who are willing to receive it. Don’t you see, Jesus died for me and he died for you so we can live?”

His voice carried throughout the sanctuary speaking from a broken and humbled heart. Silence broke as you could hear the sobbing of some who were touched by David’s story. Kayla sat in awe, moved by David’s heart which overflowed with love and gratitude.

Here was a man once filled with hate and violence, who had been dramatically changed, by the love of Christ. God’s presence filled the sanctuary leaving a lasting memory of God’s great love, and the power of forgiveness offered to all, no matter how great the sin.

“I was set free!” David exclaimed. “It’s my hearts desire to share the freedom given to me, with those who are hungering for God’s unconditional love.” David began to close the service with a verse from Romans 6:6, “Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. For he who has died has been freed from sin. Praise God!” shouted David. “Thank you Jesus.”

Shouts of “Amen” were heard from within the pews as love was proclaimed. The pianist started playing, and the saints recognizing the song, began to sing: “Just as I am, without one plea, but that Thy blood was shed for me. And that Thou bidd’st me come to Thee, O Lamb of God, I come! I come!” As the music continued to play, Kayla’s eyes swelled with tears, overwhelmed with God’s presence.

Kayla’s heart was amazingly transformed and forgiveness took on a whole new meaning. All anxiety had left, leaving her completely reconciled with David. She realized that, he too, is now a child of God. Many were filled with tears as they left the sanctuary, thanking David for sharing his powerful testimony. Kayla smiled with peace in her heart. Extending her hand, she simply said, “Thank you, David.”


Final Words
“The Forgiven Crime” is based on a true story of my transformed heart of injustice to a reconciliation of forgiveness and grace, first offered by our Lord Jesus Christ. Through Him, I’ve learned how to forgive as well. In the still, quietness of time, I hear the silent voice of God speaking to me. Though I do not know David, God has burdened my heart to pray for his soul, knowing that the Great, Almighty God can change the heart of any man. I know, because he changed mine.

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