Is redemption possible for everyone? Is redemption only for
certain people, and not others? Does redemption pick and choose on the basis of
a person’s age, sex, race, etc. etc? What is redemption anyway, and should we
even be attempting to get it?
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| Photo by BetaBeat.com |
Why would a former governor need redemption? You might ask. He
was disgraced for having an adulterous affair with a male staffer, who tried extorting
money or threatening to expose him as a gay man. With the FBI investigating,
the Governor would be exposed so he decided to hold a live press conference and
tell the world that not only was he cheating on his wife, but that he was also
a Gay American. How humbling for himself, and mortifying for his wife, who
stood by his side while he made his confession on live television.
His wife’s support ended very quickly thereafter, and a
nasty divorce ensued. The movie really picks up after that chapter in his book
was over, and how he has remade himself in the years since. Jim McGreevey is now
in committed relationship with a wealthy business executive Mark. Living comfortably
in New Jersey, Jim decided to go to seminary school and earned a Master’s in
Divinity. He now performs some priestly-life tasks at the Episcopal Church he
and his partner belong too; all in an effort to become an ordained priest at
some point.
He also tirelessly works with women in prison, and provides
a lead role in the after-care program designed to get the women back on their
feet. The mutual love between Jim and the women profiled is evident. Jim
McGreevey has managed to turn his personal tragedy and fall from grace, in to
one that is grace.
The question remained after I concluded watching. Does Jim
McGreevey have redemption? Is he happy in his present life because he is being
true to his genuine self? Is he happy because he has decided to dedicate his
life to the Lord’s work? Or has he always felt that his life had bigger meaning
and purpose and he just changed careers from politics to priest?
I don’t have the answers to any of these questions, but the
film directed by Alexandra Pelosi, made me do was look within myself to
determine if I truly believe that I can gain redemption for all of the sins I
have committed in my life. Jim seems to have redeemed himself. Even the masses have
forgiven him, especially the members of the Black community in New Jersey.
How does one achieve redemption for their past and present offenses?
I believe that
redemption starts from within. It does not matter how many people say they
forgive you, if your inner self continues to hold your heart and mind hostage,
redemption feels out of reach. Forgiving yourself is the only way to move
forward. Next, make peace with the creator. No living person has the power
greater than God. He is the final determinant of your future. Finally, decide
who are the most important people in your life, and only the most important, and seek redemption from them.
Everyone else is replaceable (to the left, to the left). During this time,
continually check within yourself to make sure that the voice of criticism in
your head remains locked in the dungeon.
As combinations of sayings go – It is not a reflection of
your character when, why, or how many times you fall, but rather the passion, energy,
and grace it takes to get back up. As a collective, let us brush ourselves off
and continue to move forward, one-step (no matter how small) in front of the
other until we reach all of our dreams and aspirations.
Lala
The documentary is Fall to Grace (2013) – Alexandra Pelosi (Director)
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