Matthew West - Forgiveness: Mother Forgives Drunk Driver Who Killed Her Daughter

Thank you Kelly for being an example to us!

I too lost a son to a drunk driving accident on December 23, 2001. The person that was responsible for the accident, was a doctor and very well connected with the police, judges, and District Attorney in our area. He got a very light sentence and we fought long and hard. This man was a known alcoholic and there was alot of cover-up, but I prayed daily to learn to forgive him and for him to come to know the Lord. I did get a chance to speak with one of his sons on several occasions and through this accident he and his father has developed a relationship. This helps me to know that my sons death was not in vain. Forgiveness is not something you do today and then that's it you go on with your life, It is a walk that you walk in everyday. This incident has showed me that there is two kinds of forgiveness, the one we use to forgive those we love and the kind that only our Father in Heaven can rain down on us through His Holy Spirit, it is a forgiveness like no other. It comes from deep within and you grow with it each day as you travel on in life. It is fairly easy to forgive someone we like or love when they hurt us, but to forgive someone for taking something so precious, as a life, (the life of your child) is not only hard but heart wrenching. at first, my whole family was angry with me because of my forgiveness, but when they saw the freedom and the love that it gave me, they too are now learning to forgive. This incident has changed the life of my family and its members forever but it has brought me closer to my Lord and Savior and for this I am thankful. I have lost three sons throughout my life two as babies and one at age 18. Each one has taught me something and has brought me closer to our Lord. He is good and He will never leave you alone. He is my strength. Please take time today to tell those you love that you love them and to forgive someone you are holding resentment to. I was touched by this video. It brought tears to my eyes. You see my youngest and only living son is in prison because of stupid choices he made and I feel partially because of his unwillingness to forgive the man responsible for his brother's death. He will get a 2nd chance and I thank God for this and I ask all of you to please pray for him and all families that have lost a child, sister, brother, etc..., it is hard but we have to remember that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

How can you forgive someone who takes the life of your child. It takes a very special person.

Love this story and the Song, Thank you for sharing!

Very inspiring story. Forgiveness is a choice...

The sad thing is that two families lose their child. Even 11 years is a long time for his parents, too. God bless them all in this situation.

My son Brian killed a 17yr old when he was 20. It was a fight that went bad! That was eighteen yrs ago. He was sentenced to 15yrs to life. We pray daily for the family, for the Lord to heal their hearts. How I wish they could forgive my son. The whole family showed up to his last parole hearing; with even more anger, passing it on to the grandkids. Brian should of gotten a date to go home but the family got to the parole board before hand to make sure he wouldn't. That day my son was given a 7yr denial, after being told on the last hearing to keep up the good work, he'd go home soon. Two yrs. later, the older brother who was apart of this whole sad story said"an eye for an eye Brian". You took my brothers life now we want yours, even if I forgive you! We have also lost loved ones by violence and been wronged by many but have found forgiveness in our hearts. Forgiveness frees your heart & soul from hatred, anger and allows the wound to heal. It filled my heart with joy to hear this story and know there are people like this in the world. Please pray for all the people that have lost loved ones to forgive and heal and for the people in prison, God knows their hearts. Also, pray for the families that have loved ones in prison, no one knows the pain they go through as well.

If you really want to be truly free; make a choice to forgive anyone who you find it too hard to forgive! You won't ever regret it, I promise! Praise the LORD with your forgiveness! ♥♪♫♥

Wow! No words, but, Praise the Lord!

to forgive is indeed divine, but to forget the bitterness is Christ.

oh my goodness I love this, can't wait for the new album your music is so inspiring. This story is SO inspiring!

Great song and heart warming story! Its true, we with our limited mindset and struggling hearts would not be able to forgive like this mother did! Not without HIM, not without his endless and eternal love. Thank you Jesus! And thanks for sharing the story and the song with us!

Amazing grace!

This is incredible!

I'm convicted beyond words.

WoW,, GOD IS TRULY ALWAYS AT WORK TRANSFORMING PEOPLE'S LIVES TO BE MORE LIKE HIM,, GLORY TO GOD!