A 6-year-old girl died in a hit-and-run car accident. But instead of rage and revenge against the driver who killed his only daughter, her father responded in love.
Only Daughter Dies In Hit-And-Run
On Jan. 16, 1996, the only daughter of Harold McDonald, Shantaya, was hit by a car. Apparently, the little girl dropped a picture in the street she had drawn for her dad. When she went back to pick it up, and a speeding car hit her and ran away. Sadly, it took the life of Shantaya.
When Harold learned that her daughter died, he grieved in despair. However, his response towards the driver who killed his daughter surprised the whole community.
Responding To Love
“I wanted to be pleasing to God. And whatever I can do to be that example,” he said. “I was willing to do it even if it hurts. I was willing to forgive.”
When reporters asked what message he would give the person responsible for his daughter’s death, his response touched everyone.
Harold pleaded to the driver to turn himself in and said, “I love you and God loves you.”
Forgiveness
The next day, Mandrell turned himself in to the police, and Harold didn’t press charges. After authorities released the 18-year-old, Harold then visited the young man the following day.
Mandrell sincerely asked for Harold’s forgiveness, crying and repenting for what he did. The father hugged the young man and prayed with the man who killed his daughter.
“Forgiveness wasn’t for Mandrell. It was for me. And it started the process of healing instantly,” Harold stressed.
For him, it was enough that he became an example to many how to forgive, give grace, and love even amidst pain and grief.
Watch how God turned all of Harold’s excruciating memory into a beautiful story. Prepare your tissues!
YouTube | 700 Club Interactive
ALSO READ: For 20 Years, Man Couldn’t Forgive Himself For The Death Of His Best Friend
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