S2 E12 As We Forgive Those with Rachel Muha

As we forgive those who trespass against us," are the words Jesus shares in the Our Father prayer, and yet these words become hard to practice when serious offenses are committed. How do you forgive someone if you don't condone the act? How do you show love when you feel grief and sorrow? For Rachel Muha forgiveness was not a feeling, or an option. It was an act of love and something she knew without any hesitation. In this episode, Andrea talks with Rachel about the power of forgiveness and what it really means when we forgive.

In May, 1999 a terrible tragedy hit the Muha Family. Her son Brian, who was 18 years old, was murdered in cold blood. Rachel prayed these words and forgave Nathan Herring and Terrell Yarbrough, the two young boys who killed Brian. But what's even more remarkable is the fact that her family forgave too... because she forgave. Later that year, Rachel and her extended family started The Brian Muha Memorial Foundation in memory of her son. The Foundation’s mission is to raise scholarship funds for inner city children to attend excellent schools, in the same neighborhood where Brian was murdered.

In 2005 The Brian Muha Foundation started the Run The Race Club, an after school center for inner city children and young adults on Columbus’ west side. That has grown into an outreach to all families in the Hilltop and Franklinton area, two of the most violent neighborhoods in Columbus. The Foundation has a food pantry, clothes and appliances distribution, a Make A House A Home program, a Farm to take the children to, sports, parties, holiday give-aways and more. In 2020 The Brian Muha Foundation started a small private school called The Day School for inner city children. All of this is an effort to help young people and their families know the love of God and love of others and to know they are capable of so much more than what they see in their neighborhoods, schools and homes.

If you'd like to connect with Rachel or see how her organization helps others you can visit her website at www.brianmuhafoundation.org Read more about Rachel and Brian's story in Legacy of Mercy.

If you have questions about the show or want to connect with Andrea or Jennifer follow them on Instagram or Facebook at @mourningglorypodcast or check out our website at www.mourningglorypodcast.com