Dr. Conrad Murray was convicted last week of involuntary manslaughter in the death of singer Michael Jackson. Even though he pled innocent, a jury of his peers found him guilty of not correctly carrying out his duties as a doctor as society requires. Now, he must live with the guilt and shame arising from his professional and personal failures.
Guilt and shame often go together. When guilt remains unresolved, shame follows. Feeling guilty just isn’t enough. Overcoming guilt requires a person to for something that went wrong. Many people never learn how to let go of their guilt because they have never been forced to see themselves honestly.
That might be true for someone like Conrad Murray. Instead of learning to let go by resolving his guilt, he may be allowed to carry on his life without many consequences. Even Murray’s conviction might not mean that he will serve much jail time. California authorities released Lindsay Lohan after just 4 ½ hours for her parole violation recently because of jail overcrowding.)
Ironically, Murray might even be allowed to resume his medical practice one day. That doesn’t mean he will necessarily enjoy his freedom. (Like all of us, Murray must be freed from guilt, not by the courts, but from within.
Unfortunately, many people never seek forgiveness. Like so many others before him, Conrad Murray will not likely be able to move on with his life until he finds forgiveness. Often, people fail to overcome personal failure because they never learn to say, “I am sorry.”
Perhaps you have battled guilt. You can find freedom again and know the joy of restored relationships. Real forgiveness begins by telling God: “I am sorry. I was wrong. Forgive me, God.” When He answers, He will give you the tools you need to resolve guilt. He will change your life and help you find freedom from Guilt. So, instead of living with guilt, you can move forward and overcome shame that once bound you.
You can begin with a simple prayer:
“Dear Jesus, I am guilty today. I need Your forgiveness today for the things I have done wrong. Please help me to find peace. Help me to be restored and live for You. I declare You to be the Lord of my Life, in Jesus’ name, amen!”
If you prayed that prayer, please click the button below and someone will help you take the next steps toward living a guilt-free life!
- Bill Hennessy





