Wednesday, October 26, 2011

Monday

It is time for me to be more authentic with you.

By nature, I am a glass half-full kind of gal so most of my posts are usually lighthearted and fun. But as we all know, life is not always that way. Trials face us from every angle and suffering of some kind is usually around the next corner. I have always wanted this blog to about the fun things in life because I know each of you face trials and suffering of your own. I wanted this blog to be a place of entertainment and escape.

However, a life without suffering and trials is not an authentic one and it is time for me to share my life with you.

On Monday, my dad was sentenced to 10 years in jail for a crime he did not commit.

10 years.

My brain is having a hard time believing this even as the shock has worn off. Or maybe the shock hasn't worn off, I am not sure. And I know this must be a surprise to many of you, especially if you know my dad.

My kind, gentle, hard-working, amazing dad.

This trial has been going on for years. So many times I wanted to write about it, to talk about it and to share my ups and down with you, but this was a confidential case between my dad and one of his clients. A client that accused my dad of stealing more than $200,000. But I had to honor my dad in his wishes to treat this as a business matter. My dad is a great business man and all along he thought this lawsuit would resolve itself.

But after five years, a plea bargain, a month in jail, my dad's law license being revoked, loss of employment, and a judge who did not once decide in his favor, this process had finally led us to a sentencing hearing on Monday.

On Monday, our friends (saints, actually) packed the courthouse. It was a magnificent sight to behold and brought so much encouragement to my dad and the rest of my family. And these same friends, while offering powerful praises and petitions to God, also offered more than $200,000 of financial restitution on behalf of my dad. It was an example of the body of Christ in motion. Unbelievable. Completely humbling. There are no words for this. None. I truly believe this is what the church was meant to look like, just like in Acts.

But at the end of the hearing, after the judge had heard from countless others who defended his integrity, trustworthiness and character, he still ruled against my dad, even with the full financial restitution being offered. The judge, knowing an innocent man was before him, still chose to send him away. The judge chose revenge over restitution. And my family, friends and I watched my dad be taken into custody and led away. This is not something I would wish on anyone. Ever.

I know this is shocking. I apologize for the abruptness of it. And I am sure you have questions. Honestly, the case is so complicated that I will be the first to admit that I do not have all the answers. But I wanted you to know. I needed you to know because I couldn't keep writing without being honest with you. It would have been a lie to let you believe my life is all about cupcakes and trips around the world.

In reality, my life is about believing and trusting in a God whose ways are not our ways, whose thoughts are not our thoughts. Believing and trusting in a God who defends the innocent and weak, only in His perfect timing, not our own. These last few days have been so very difficult yet so very comforting at the same time. But for the grace of God I would be in a padded room right now, I guarantee.

As we look ahead, my dad's attorney is doing everything he can to get this sentence reversed. In 88 days, this appeal can be presented before the court and with the financial restitution in hand, we are praying that his sentence will be greatly reduced or reversed completely.

In the meantime, we are experiencing an outpouring of love like we have never seen before. It is overwhelming, to say the least. My gratitude knows no end. It makes me want to love and serve others in the same exact way: radically, without reservations or hesitation.

And I will keep you posted on my sweet, amazing dad. I spoke with him yesterday and he sounds good, just tired. And I reassured him that his character and integrity speaks for itself, no one has ever doubted his innocence. If he comes to mind, please pray for his safety and peace of mind. Pray that he leans on the Lord for understanding and wisdom. And pray that my family can continue to seek God's face in the midst of this.

I cannot comprehend what it must be like to be imprisoned for something you didn't do, but we know from history that God has used this situation mightily. I look to Joseph, Daniel, Paul and Peter as my constant reminders.

"For do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

Isaiah 41:10

12 comments:

  1. Oh, Sarah, my heart breaks for you and your family. We're praying for you. Let me know if you need anything.

    Love,
    Mandy <><

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  2. My dear friend, you and your family are in my prayers and I am begging God for mercy for your dad in the appeal.

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  3. Much love and many prayers to you and your fam.

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  4. praying for all of you at this time! Our God is an Awesome God!!! Hang in there!

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  5. Thank you for sharing this... and so sorry to hear it.... much love to you and your sweet family from afar....

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  6. Oh, Sarah. This is so terrible and awful. I know how much you love your family and I, well, I just can't imagine. I am so sorry and so impressed that you shared this very personal and difficult situation with your blog readers. Thanks for allowing us into your life, and I will put your dad at the top of my prayer list.

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  7. I have never experienced a greater injustice in my life. Your dad is such a special and amazing man of integrity and I know that God is so much bigger than this crazy situation. I will never stop praying for victory over evil and justice for your dad. God is sovereign and the ultimate just judge and He is not finished with this story. I love you.

    Rach

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  8. Oh, Sarah! I'm so, so, so sorry. I'm not even sure what else to say. I love you. I appreciate you being forthright with what's going on with your family. Know that I'll be praying for you, your dad, the whole family. I'm sure this is very much a world turned upside down.

    Love you!!!

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  9. Love all of you so much! Although I am shocked that your world isn't all cupcakes and travelling. Mine isn't even travelling.

    Praying for him. Praying for you, all of you. And raising my spoon in a big bowl of cookie dough in honor of him tonight. <3

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  10. dear sarah, please know that we are praying for you. your mom in particular has been on my heart all weekend. i have never met your dad, however, knowing you and claire, i completely trust in his innocence. he has raised two amazing girls and so he must be amazing himself. i know the heartache of having your father accused of something that he has not done, as this happened to my own father. while my father was not put in jail, i know the stress of waiting and having a judge who for some reason chooses to believe others over the truth of our dads. please know that we will continue to pray for each of you. thank you for sharing your heart.
    betsy

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  11. Dearest Sarah,
    I am so glad/sad both that I decided to make one of my (too) rare pop-ins to your blog today and found this. Words can't express my heartfelt sorrow on yours and your family's behalf - what a tragedy/travesty. It's a humble honor to read your authenticity, pain and faith; thank you for letting your readers be aware of the need for prayer. With tears and love,
    Kerri

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  12. Sarah - This hits home on many levels. Prayers and love are with you. If I can find the words I will write you in an email. - Tirzah

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