Copyright ncregister
In the wake of Erika Kirk publicly forgiving husband Charlie Kirk’s killer, in front of millions watching in our country as well as across the world, actor Tim Allen took to social media to announce to his followers that, by seeing her example, he has now found it in his own heart to forgive the man who took his dad’s life more than half a century ago. The Santa Clause actor, also known as the voice of Buzz Lightyear in the Toy Story franchise, wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: “When Erika Kirk spoke the words on the man who killed her husband: ‘That man … that young man … I forgive him.’ That moment deeply affected me. I have struggled for over 60 years to forgive the man who killed my Dad. I will say those words now as I type: ‘I forgive the man who killed my father.’ Peace be with you all.” Allen really came on to the scene as Tim “The Tool Man” Taylor on Home Improvement. The affable-guy character created by and portrayed by actor Allen was always friendly to his colleagues, considerate to his family, and patient, even when seeking advice from the neighbor on the other side of the fence. Millions of viewers who tuned into the sitcom during the ’90s were moved by his post, first over the grief that the actor has been living with since he was 11 years old, when a drunk driver ended the life of his dad in 1964, and also because a widow’s incredible witness has now touched his own heart: to forgive the man who left him fatherless during his formative years. Allen’s proclamation is motivating more souls to do the same. Donna Walker replied to Allen’s social-media post, writing: “I have struggled for 42 years to forgive the man who killed my grandmother. I will say these words with tears forming in my eyes and my heart pounding as I type, ‘I forgive the man who killed my grandmother.’ Peace be with you.” And others recognize the need to forgive, while acknowledging they are not yet able to own such words: “I wish I could forgive the man that killed my brother, so tragically, at only 42 yrs old, single father to a 9 yr old son and my best friend. You’re a better person than me, Tim, because I’m not there yet. Maybe one day I can be.” One woman admitted she has carried grief and anger in her heart since she was a child: “Tim, I too was deeply affected as I was 8 years old when my father was killed. ... Erika’s strength came from the Lord. She has shown me the path. I hope the Lord with help us both find peace.” As forgiveness has now become headline news, a testament to Erika Kirk’s beautiful declaration, we pray that more people who are suffering from their own grief and anger will learn to look to Christ for the answer to their pain. As Pope Leo reminded the faithful during his general audience on Aug. 20: “While never denying that evil exists or acting as if bad things do not happen in this world, the example of Jesus shows us that true forgiveness does not wait for contrition but is offered first as a gift. When we experience wounds and betrayal, let us ask for the grace to offer true forgiveness, even when we feel misunderstood and abandoned, or even when it seems to be in vain. In this way, may we know the freedom and peace that comes from a loving and forgiving heart.”
