Freedom in Forgiveness

For about four thousand and fifteen days Jennifer Thompson-Cannino thought Ronald Cotton and raped her only to discover that he was innocent, she had the wrong man. In this episode of  This I Believe you learn about forgiveness and the healing power it contains. When Jennifer Thompson-Cannino discovered the man who she believed raped her was innocent after DNA testing became available eleven years after the tragic incident occurred. She poured hated and wished death on an innocent man while the the true predator was left free to continue wrecking havoc on society. Mrs. Cannino felt ashamed and horrible that she had accused the wrong man of such a heinous crime. 

Although this is not the first time an incident like this has occurred, it was the first time that I have ever heard of a victims and the one she accused displaying the power and healing of forgiveness so perfectly. Ronald, although hurt and sick with longing for his family and girlfriend for eleven years, he did not hold on to resentment of being accused for something he did not do. He not only forgave his accuser, they are now good friends and advocates against the injustice in the legal system. This story spoke volumes to me on the importance of forgiveness and the beauty of humanity