Forgiveness, and an offer of help

This letter is to the two 15-year-old boys who vandalized Cross and Crown Church where I worship and my grandson goes to preschool.

When I first heard about what you did, I felt hurt and angry. Then I remembered how I have been taught to forgive.

I am a single mother of two grown boys. When they were growing up, they were angry and hurt because their father was not a part of their lives. They took that anger out using drugs and making others feel miserable.

I was a weak Christian then and did not seek others to help me. I wish I had. I wish I had been going to Cross and Crown. My sons are now two wonderful young men who are an asset to their community. I thank God for that miracle.

We are loving and forgiving people. We are not angry at you. We do not like what you did. We have many people helping us get back to normal.

The community really stepped in and helped us. We would like to step in and help you. There are so many ways we could help. We have a number of men and women in our church who would be willing to listen to you, find out why you are so angry that you would vandalize a church like you did.

Even if you would not feel comfortable contacting us, please contact someone, a counselor at school or a pastor at a church or some adult who is willing to listen to what you need to say.

I pray for you every day and hope your parents and friends will see the day you decide to turn your lives around as my sons did. May God bless you and guide you to the right people who can help you.

Cheryl Justy

Arlington Heights