Christian Mother Shows Faith to Forgive and Love Son’s Killer
A devout Christian mother whose son was brutally shot dead has shown amazing forgiveness by reconciling with his killer and even inviting the man to move in as her neighbor.
The killing happened in February 1993, when Mary Johnson’s son, Laramiun Byrd, 20, was shot dead by 16-year-old Oshea Israel after a dispute at a party in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Israel, who at the time was caught up in drugs and gangs, served 17 years in prison for the killing. However, he has now moved in next door to Johnson, 59, in what can only be described as an incredible act of kindness and forgiveness.
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Johnson confessed that in the immediate aftermath of her son’s killing she wanted Israel imprisoned. According to The Daily Mail she said, “My son was gone. I was angry and hated this boy, hated his mother.”
She explained how her son’s death had hit her “like a tsunami”. She said, “I wanted him to be caged up like the animal he was.”
Johnson went on to establish an organization that supports people in a similar situation; mothers whose children had been killed.
Over time Johnson felt a greater and greater urge to meet Israel face-to-face and explore whether she could really practice forgiveness as her faith in Jesus had taught her.
Israel was shocked by the request and refused to meet his victim’s mother at first. However, nine months later he himself had a change of heart and agreed to meet. Israel described their first meeting: “I believe the first thing she said to me was, ‘Look, you don't know me. I don't know you. Let's just start with right now.'’ And I was befuddled myself.”
The meetings continued on a regular basis after that, and upon Israel’s release from prison 18 months ago, Johnson has helped Israel’s reintegration into society. She even amazingly introduced Israel, now 34, to her landlord and gave her blessing for him to move in next door to her.
Johnson has explained that the close friendship she now shares with Israel has only been due to her deep Christian beliefs. She said, “Unforgiveness is like cancer. It will eat you from the inside out.
“It's not about that other person, me forgiving him does not diminish what he's done. Yes, he murdered my son - but the forgiveness is for me.”
According to the Daily Mail, Israel commented: “I haven't totally forgiven myself yet, I'm learning to forgive myself. And I'm still growing toward trying to forgive myself.”
He now insists he wants to prove himself to Johnson, and wants to contribute to society. He now visits prisons and churches, often with Johnson by his side, to tell their story and talk on the topics of forgiveness and reconciliation.
