 |
| Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash |
Imagine that you committed a serious crime and had to go before a judge to determine your sentence. Imagine that you were truly sorry you'd done such a thing and wished desperately that you could turn back time and change the actions that led you to this day of reckoning. In your desire to make amends, you did all in your power to apologize and restore what you could to the victims. Unfortunately, the law was the law. You'd broken it, and now you must be sentenced to the decreed punishment. No amount of tears, pleading for mercy, or retribution to the victims eliminated the pending punishment. Your guilt demanded justice.
As you stand there--alone, friendless, all eyes on you--in walks a powerful lawyer--a long time friend of yours. He offers to plead your case before the jury. Suddenly, where there was despair, embarrassment, and forsakenness, now there is HOPE. Your lawyer brings new evidence to light that helps the jury understand your motives. He brings witnesses who speak of your diligence in making amends and evidence of your efforts, though meager, to repay the victims for their losses. Lastly, he produces a receipt showing how he personally repaired ALL the damage committed by your crime. He pleads for leniency and mercy in your behalf. The jury and judge agree that all has been amended. The punishment is waived. Because you accepted the services of your Advocate, you are now free.
This day is coming for each of us. Will you accept the services of your Advocate?
