Second Chance
 

 The Gospel of the Second Chance. The word “Gospel” means “good news.” Having a second chance at anything is certainly good news. The word that is often used is REDEMPTION.   Webster defines it as recovery, rescue, deliverance or regeneration. There is an analogy that is very appropriate.

Most of you have an idea about what a pawn shop is all about.   Because of financial reverses you want to “hock” an item like: a watch, a ring or a camera. Anything of value. In going to a pawn shop, you get money for your item.   When you are in better shape financially, you can “redeem” your item. With up to 50% interest. You are either the same as you were or possibly even better.

 Most people relate the word redemption with the Bible. The Apostle Paul in particular speaks of it in the first four chapters of the Book of Romans and the Book of Galatians. The Bible is the Book of the Second Chance.   To name a few examples. Adam, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Jacob (Israel), David, Peter and Paul. They were all recipients of the Second Chance of redemption.  Two examples. Peter. He cursed and denied knowing Jesus, but became a saint and the first Pope. Jacob (Israel) was a deceiver and a liar. He became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Again a recipient of the Second chance.

 The concept of redemption is not limited to Christian/Judeo values or Biblical characters. For illustrations consider a few examples in classical literature.   In my research I was particularly interested in the observations of literary critics. My arbitrary choices of classical novels are: A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens, The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexander Dumas, Silas Marner by George Eliot, Les Miserables by Victor Hugo and The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne.  Scrooge, Dante, Silas, Jean Valjean, Hester Prynne.    Almost without exceptions, the literary critics use the word “redemption” when referring to main characters in the classics I mentioned. Tragic beginnings or miserable personalities and then redemption. This is followed by resolution and regeneration. Their lives became drastically different.

 Redemption is applicable in other ways besides MORAL. There can be ECONOMIC, MARITAL,  PARENTAL, ENCARCERATION and even PHYSICAL TRAGEDY redemption.   Gabby Giffords. Last January, she was shot in her brain by a crazed gunman. An Arizona Congresswoman, she was not expected to survive. Her miraculous recovery has captured our attention.  Her husband, astronaut Mark Kelly, was asked recently what he and Gabby were thankful for. He said, “For the SECOND CHANCE that Gabby has to live.”

 President Bill Clinton. He is an easy and an excellent example of the Gospel of the Second Chance. He lied, he cheated on his wife, he jeopardized his presidency, impeachment proceedings. In many ways Clinton was a disgrace.   But look at him now. He seems to be selfless as he works to help many disenfranchised in the world. Haiti, Africa, Indonesia, to name a few places. HE CERTAINLY IS AMONG THE SECOND CHANCERS. He supports the work of his wife and the Obama administration. Whatever his motivation, it has worked.

 Mickey Rourke is one of a kind. A hellion, a devil may care, rough as a cob are all apropos for Rourke. Bruised and battered as a boxer and emotionally, a basket case.  A self-confessed lover, he has left a parade of beautiful women behind him.   On a recent TV interview I heard him say, “With all that I became, I am deeply appreciative for those who have given me a SECOND CHANCE.” His exact words.

 J.R. Martinez. If you watch Dancing with the Stars, he won the competition.  An unlikely role and activity for him.   In September of 2002 he joined the US Army and was deployed to Iraq in March of 2003. While driving a Humvee, he hit a land-mine. Three others were thrown out. J.R. was trapped inside. He suffered smoke inhalation and severe burns over 40 percent of his body and lost his left ear.   He was evacuated to San Antonio and spent 34 months in recovery and underwent 33 surgeries. Today he is a motivational speaker and an actor on various sit-coms. “My accident was life changing,” he says. “I wouldn’t change anything for the second chance I’ve had.”

 At one time or another; in one way or another we ALL have need of a SECOND CHANCE.

Amen. Selah. So be it. 

 

WORDS TO THINK ABOUT

G. W. Abersold Ph.D.