“I forgive you”: Botham Jean’s brother (Brandt Jean) hugs Amber Guyger after she gets 10 years in prison…
(DallasNews.com )
On Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2019 most of us across the world waited for the sentencing of ex-police officer, Amber Guyger. She was found guilty of the murder of Botham Jean (an accountant, Christian worship leader and St. Lucia native) on Sept 6, 2018 and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
I too must admit that I was angry! Another innocent black man was shot through the heart and killed by an off-duty police officer. Amber mistakenly thought that Botham had broken into her apartment to burgularize it.
I also felt that she would be found not-guilty.
Sadly, we have experienced countless events of police killings of innocent people of color. Most have had no accountability of any kind or just received a measly slap on the wrist as justifiable homicide. It just felt like another day in the life of our people! Black and brown lives still don’t matter 🙁
I among others, were outraged after hearing about the 10 year sentencing!!! Then I saw this updated article shortly after and immediately felt a bit ashamed….
Let’s be clear that I’m not ashamed for my immediate anger and disappointment. But I’m ashamed I didn’t follow Gods word as a Christian and truly forgive her sin.
I do believe that Amber must pay for what she did. However, the immediate forgiveness of Botham’s brother Brandt, really spoke volumes to my heart.
“If you truly are sorry,” Botham’s 18-year-old brother, Brandt Jean, told Guyger from the witness stand before walking down and embracing her, “I know I can speak for myself, I forgive you.”
He said, he wanted for Amber what his older brother would have wanted: to forgive her.
“I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want for you,” he told her. “I love you as a person, and I don’t wish anything bad on you.” “Can I give her a hug, please?” Brandt Jean asked. “Please.”
I almost cried! “Wow, just wow!” I thought to myself… God is really using another sad, racially divided situation of an innocent black man’s death to hopefully bring the world together.
YES again, the world should require justice to be served when police officers abuse their power. They also must receive extensive training, so this doesn’t continue to happen. But sometimes it takes big gestures of love and forgiveness to create change!
The victim’s mother said Guyger’s sentence would give the fired officer 10 years to reflect and “change her life.”
I’m in total agreement with Botham’s mother and brother. Instead of us condemning her, we should pray for her. We should Pray that she change and turn her life over to Christ. And pray that she ask for forgiveness and live the rest of her life for Jesus!
Scripture tells us that our thoughts and ways are not Gods thoughts and ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). We don’t know why Botham’s life was cut short. However what we want, believe and feel has to align up with Gods word. And His word tells us to forgive others as He has forgiven us (Eph 4:32).
I believe that we must forgive to release ourselves and not for that person! It’s never easy. You may or may not feel the same way I do. I didn’t write this for anyone’s approval or disapproval for that matter. But if I want God to forgive MY sins, I must do the same. No matter who or what the sin looks like. I choose to also forgive you, Amber Guyger. Period.
Continue resting with Christ, Botham. Your death wasn’t in vain.
God loves you and so do I,
