Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Friday 17, 2007

Claudia Norwalt sent me the wonderful story of Maria and Wilma. I doubt that you will find either lady listed in Who's Who, but one day beyond the river both will be on display as trophies of God's amazing grace.

Marie and Wilma were sisters in law living in Brazil and when Maria's husband was murdered Maria used her money to jack up Wilma for the murder. Wilma served 10 years in prison and while in prison Christ came into her life. She bloomed where she was planted.

Twenty years after her conviction and imprisonment, Wilma was notified that Maria, now suffering with terminal cancer wanted to see her. Wilma has been a faithful member of the church started by missionaries Jake and Nancy Montoya. Wilma asked Maria if she could bring her pastor and his wife with her for the visit and this was agreed to, but Maria stated she was not interested in giving up her religion. Maria stated that her conscience was bothering her over what she had done to Wilma and upon this admission Wilma assured her that she had forgiven her long ago. Maria, on her death bed heard Wilma share the greatest story ever told. Maria started crying and asked how she could receive Jesus and forgiveness. Maria received Christ as her savior!!!

The Montoya's closed this part of the letter with the statement:

"We are so thrilled that a wrong was made right, and that Wilma holds no hatred for the one who caused her much harm."

This week I watched with bated breath the case of a truck driver who had fallen asleep while driving and five young people were killed. Tragedy of tragedies. The parents of the children were upstanding Christian's. What a terrible and horrific event. I have followed this story carefully to see if anyone who suffered from this loss would seize the opportunity to take the high ground and forgive this man outright. I waited in vain. The prosecutor in the case wanted the maximum penalty and several family members expressed disappointment at the leniency of the sentence.

I wonder if the parents in spite of their grief did in fact offer forgiveness and comfort to the man who expressed sincere remorse and the media failed to report this aspect of the case or if, another chance to shake up a watching world was again lost due to a desire for retribution? Eternity will tell the story.

I thank the Lord for people like Wilma who as first generation, poor Christians have a better grasp of God's forgiveness in Christ than do those to whom Christ has been "in the family for generations."

If we who name Christ ever start practicing His teaching we will change the world in a few weeks.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit.

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