Redemption.
What does it really mean in this funny thing called life?
For many, redemption holds a different meaning and purpose – a meaning or purpose that may only offer a once in a lifetime opportunity of moral salvation.
And for Charles Ramsey, the time for redemption arrived on May 6, 2013.
The news broke yesterday evening that America’s beloved new hero Charles Ramsey has a tattered past filled with domestic violence, drug abuse, and affiliations with petty crimes, like receiving stolen property.
Upon hearing the disheartening news, I knew that this was tragically the beginning of the end. Charles Ramsey has been celebrated over the past 48 hours, and now, the time had come to crucify his past.
Deep down inside, I knew, we all knew, that Charles Ramsey probably had been in trouble once or twice in his life, but hey, he helped save three young women from a horrific tragedy.
We all knew, but it didn’t matter, and in my opinion, it still doesn’t matter.
My grandmother always used to tell my family, “Make sure ya’ll pray for the poor and needy, weak and wounded, sick and sore, and don’t forget about the sinners, because sinners have souls,” and it was Charles Ramsey’s good-natured soul that motivated him to do what was right.
Charles Ramsey had the choice to walk away, but he didn’t.
Charles Ramsey had the choice to perpetuate the vicious cycle of the bystander effect, and Charles could’ve certainly submitted to the ugliness of his past by disregarding women, but he didn’t.
Charles Ramsey listened to his soul, and acted accordingly, which still makes him a hero in my book.
I don’t know Charles, nor do I know his circumstance. And most certainly, I will not disregard the fact that his wife and family were deeply affected by his past actions, but it is my duty to not let the pain Charles Ramsey once caused destroy the joy he has now delivered.
Famed author George R.R. Martin once said, “A good act does not wash out the bad, nor a bad act the good. Each should have its own reward.”
The transformative power of redemption is an interesting one, and it’s hard for society to fully grasp the importance and the continuous need to redeem one’s self throughout life.
All of our pasts are subject to scrutiny, but it’s not our duty to scrutinize one’s past. Instead, it’s our duty to consider one’s past, relish one’s present, and celebrate one’s future.
We’re relishing the heroism of Charles Ramsey’s current good deed, but let’s continue to be a society in favor of redemptive opportunities, so we can celebrate his future.
Although there’s already been an overwhelming amount of support for Charles Ramsey since the spirit-shattering news, I would still like to leave a little food for thought, delivered by Oscar Wilde: every saint has a past, and every sinner has a future.
Brittany Lewis is the Music Editor at GlobalGrind and a Howard University Alumna. Brittany considers herself seasoned on all the pop culture ish that matters. Follow her on Twitter @Buttercup_B.
