When Grace Wins: The Life-Changing Power of Forgiveness
When Grace Wins: The Life-Changing Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is one of the hardest things a person can do. It’s messy, deeply personal, and often misunderstood. Yet for those who have faced unimaginable pain, forgiveness can become the key that unlocks peace. From grief to betrayal, each of these Bridges guests chose to let grace win—and their stories reveal the healing power that only forgiveness can bring. You can watch their stories on demand by visiting bridgeswithmonica.com.
EXTREME Forgiveness: Letting Go of the Unimaginable
When Lorraine Whoberry’s daughter was tragically killed, her world shattered. Anger and grief consumed her days, and forgiveness felt impossible. But over time, God began to whisper to her heart that holding onto bitterness was keeping her trapped in the very pain she longed to escape.
“I realized forgiveness wasn’t about the man who took my daughter’s life—it was about freeing my own soul.”
Through prayer, tears, and faith, Lorraine made the choice to forgive her daughter’s killer. It didn’t happen overnight—but when she did, peace slowly replaced her anger. Lorraine’s story reminds us that forgiveness doesn’t excuse evil; it conquers it.
Rebecca Alonso: Choosing Life Over Bitterness
When Rebecca Alonso’s mother was murdered, her family’s world was turned upside down. The weight of that loss was unbearable, and resentment could have easily taken root. But Rebecca knew that clinging to hatred would only deepen her pain.
“Forgiveness was the only way I could breathe again. It didn’t mean I forgot—it meant I chose life over bitterness.”
By forgiving the man who killed her mother, Rebecca found freedom from the emotional prison of anger. Today, she uses her story to help others understand that forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s the strongest choice we can make.
Brooke Robertson: Healing Brings the Power to Reclaim Your Life
Singer-songwriter Brooke Robertson knows what it means to carry hidden wounds. As a survivor of sexual abuse, she spent years battling shame and silence. But when she found the courage to forgive her abuser, her healing journey truly began.
“Forgiveness set me free. It didn’t erase what happened, but it gave me the power to find my voice and move forward.”
Through her music, Brooke now shares messages of hope and restoration, reminding others that grace can turn pain into purpose. Her songs echo the truth that forgiveness isn’t about forgetting—it’s about reclaiming your life and your worth.
Kimberly Harr: Finding Strength After Violence
For Kimberly Harr, forgiveness came after surviving the unthinkable—an assault by her ex-husband and an attempt on her boyfriend’s life. The trauma could have broken her, but instead, it became the foundation for her strength.
“I had to forgive—not for him, but for me. I couldn’t let hate win.”
Her decision to forgive didn’t minimize the harm done; it magnified her courage. Through faith and grace, Kimberly found peace where fear once ruled. Her life today is a testament that forgiveness doesn’t make us victims—it makes us victorious.
The Freedom Found in Forgiveness
Each of these women faced pain that could have hardened their hearts forever. Instead, they chose grace. Forgiveness didn’t change their past—but it transformed their future.
Ephesians 4:32 reminds us, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Forgiveness is a daily decision to trust God with justice and healing. And when we do, something miraculous happens: grace wins, hearts heal, and we find peace beyond understanding.
Today’s Secret from the Studio:
Forgiveness Won’t Change Your Past – but it will Transform Your Future.
Monica Schmelter is the host of Bridges. You can watch Bridges on Christian Television Network, ROKU, and on demand at bridgeswithmonica.com. When Monica isn’t in the studio – she enjoys spending time with family.