Molested Ex-Gymnast Shares Her Incredible Prayer for Olympic Trainer-Turned Abuser
There are very few people who, hearing the crimes of physician Larry Nassar, would feel even an inch of sympathy for him.
The former USA Gymnastics doctor’s victims number in the triple digits, and after numerous testimonies, a judge sentenced him last week to 175 years in prison.
Before the sentencing, though, hour after hour of brutal, scathing testimony was laid out in court. Victims described the horrifying ways Dr. Larry Nassar abused them by using his power and position. Then, the first woman to ever accuse him took the stand.
Rachael Denhollander faced down her abuser, and in a shocking move, chose to forgive Nassar.
“I pray you experience the soul-crushing weight of guilt so you may someday experience true repentance and true forgiveness from God, which you need far more than forgiveness from me – though I extend that to you as well,” Denhollander said.
This one statement echoes everything the Bible says about forgiveness.
In 1 John 1:9, it’s written that “if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
God is forgiving. With Jesus Christ, there is nothing that is out of the bounds of salvation. There is no sin too great that God’s forgiveness won’t be shown.
Denhollander told Nassar that same truth about God, saying “should you ever reach the point of truly facing what you have done, the guilt will be crushing.”
“And that is what makes the gospel of Christ so sweet, because it extends grace and hope and mercy where none should be found,” she said. “And it will be there for you.”
Rarely is there a trial this big where the gospel is shared.
With the vile nature of Nassar’s crimes, it shows the power of God even more so.
Rachel Denhollander’s brave and powerful statement can be seen in the video below. (The prayer for forgiveness comes about the 28-minute mark.)
God shows Himself every day to people, and this trial is just another way we can see His light in even the most horrifying of times.
Rachel Denhollander is brave for not only taking the witness stand to face her abuser, but also for using that time to do the tough thing and forgive him. It shows a strength that is humbling.
Do you think Larry Nassar truly sorry for all he has done? Let us know what you think below!
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