Forgiveness, can you imagine?

a quick note about Confessions, forgiveness and Megan Phelps-Roper,

Forgiveness can feel impossible and also like it’s the most holy thing there is.

Today, the first episode of my podcast, The Confessional with Nadia Bolz-Weber dropped.

It is a conversation with Megan Phelps-Roper about the sad regrets she carries for her words and actions while a member of Westboro Baptist Church. She grew up in that church and had “God hates fags” sign put in her hand buy the time she was 5. Her family is known internationally for protesting at funerals. I invite you to listen - Megan (@meganmarie on Instagram) is an extraordinary woman.

I also wanted you all to see this, (a comment on my Instagram post today) because it made me tear up:

I’m not sure what allows us to forgive. The harm the actions of Westboro Baptist has wrought in the lives of so many is real. Harm is harm. Forgiveness doesn’t minimize harm, nor does it exonerate the perpetrators. But maybe it can free victims. Free us from carrying someone else’s burden - someone else’s shame - someone else’s sin. That is for them to carry alone. And when it comes, when forgiveness shows up, it feels free and unbidden and like the Holy Spirit is all up in our crap and it brings life, and life abundant. Yes, forgiveness feels impossible, and also like the most holy thing there is.

Thanks everyone for supporting this new endeavor.

Much love,

Nadia