pat loughery

If you’re familiar with the watercooler attraction of American Idol, you may know that this year’s season includes a much more tactless and snappy Simon. In one recent comment toward a young, overweight woman, Cowell asked the camera whether the stage was bigger this year.

What’s thrilling about the story is the woman’s reaction:

Mandisa, of Nashville, Tenn., responded to Cowell’s comment the next time she appeared in front of the judges.

“What I want to say to you is that, yes, you hurt me and I cried and it was painful, it really was. But I want you to know that I’ve forgiven you and that you don’t need someone to apologize in order to forgive somebody,” she said. “I figure that if Jesus could die so that all of my wrongs could be forgiven, I can certainly extend that same grace to you.”

Cowell, getting up to hug her, said, “Mandisa, I’m humbled, really. I’m just so appalling, aren’t I?”

Now think about that – a man in power makes a nasty and humiliating comment, and the woman’s response isn’t to respond back to the TV inn private; she tells him the effect of his words. She follows the Scriptural example from Jesus in Matthew 18:15-18, not backing down from her hurt, and the courage she showed transformed a man.

There’s a wonderful article on Mandisa and this experience here at bpnews.

May we all be so gracious in forgiveness.