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| Mary Johnson and Oshea Israel |
As I sat there in church, it was impossible not to judge the man in front of me. At the young age of 16, Oshea Israel killed another man. He was tried as an adult and convicted of second degree manslaughter. He served 17 years in prison out of his 25 year sentence. He is a 38 year old charismatic, attractive, muscled man. He smiles easily. After hearing the mother of his victim, Mary Johnson, speak about forgiveness; I started to think if I could ever forgive someone of such a transgression. She lost her only son and after 12 years of grieving and struggling since the murder, she forgave him. Looking at them today, you would think the two of them were mother and son. They banter. They touch one another in kindness. He helped her on and off the stage. They were literally next door neighbors for the first 3 years after he left prison. She refers to him as her "spiritual son."
Their story is so remarkable that they have traveled all around the country and appeared on The View and in People magazine. No one can believe the power of Christ to heal both of their hearts. Oshea had to first accept his sin in order to forgive himself and continue on with his life. Mary had to forgive the man that killed her only child in order to continue on with her life and let go of the rage and torment she carried. After the service I was drawn to them both. To Mary for having such strength, and to Oshea for owning what he did and trying to make something positive the outcome of such a horrible act.
They live in North Minneapolis. They share their story as often as God allows, in their words. If you want to know more, visit their site http://www.fromdeathtolife.us/home.html.
