Sunday, December 1, 2019

Called to Forgive: A Review

The author of this new book, Anthony B. Thompson is the pastor of Holy Trinity Reformed Episcopal Church of Charleston, SC. His wife Myra Thompson was one of the victims in the Charleston Church Shooting at the Mother Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston SC.

This is the story of what happened that night when the shooting took place:

On June 17, 2015, Dylan Roof, a young white man, attended the Wednesday evening Bible Study at the predominantly black Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC. An hour later, Roof pulled a concealed weapon and killed nine African-Americans as they prayed including Myra Thompson, the wife of Reverend Anthony Thompson. Myra’s murder devastated Anthony, yet he chose to privately and publicly forgive the shooter.

Many in the church and community still struggle to understand Reverend Thompson’s deliberate choice to forgive the racist murderer. But as Charlestonians witnessed this incredible act of forgiveness, something significant happened within the community. Instead of the expected racial riots in the aftermath of the shooting, black and white leaders and residents united, coming together peaceably and even showing acts of selfless love.

This book is the account of Reverend Thompson wife’s murder, the grief he experienced, and the radical choice to forgive the killer. But beyond that, Reverend Thompson casts a compelling vision of the power of forgiveness to transform our lives-personally, in our communities, and even in our nation.

Be inspired by this remarkable story and discover how the difficult decision to forgive can become the key to radical change.

The author not only tells his personal story of loss and forgiveness but also tells of others who have exercised the choice to forgive.

The author says that he had to forgive so he would no longer be controlled by what happened to his wife. Also he has written to Roof and is praying that he will turn to God and be able to receive the forgiveness which he needs.

Look for this book in your favorite book store or order on line.

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