Assertion-Finding Freedom in Forgiveness

In this interview, Jennifer Thompson-Cannino admits to choosing Ronald Cotton out of a line-up to be the man that raped her. Cotton was sentenced to prison and was later found innocent. Jennifer felt horrible and had trouble forgiving just herself for the mistake. Ronald Cotton, unlike most men in his situation, found it useless to become angry at Jennifer. He knew how much pain and torture she had felt as a victim just as he did while in prison. Plus, they both had a common enemy; the man who raped Jennifer Thompson-Cannino. Obviously Jennifer's reason was raping her while Ronald Cotton's reason was taking him away from his family and loved ones and not confessing to his action. Although there was a great controversy in this case, that is not the main focus of this article. This article shows that forgiveness gives you freedom rather then revenge giving you guilt. Ronald Cotton quickly forgave Jennifer for her mistake and they soon became friends. There was no need for them to be angry with eachother when they could take their anger out on another common enemy. I agree that you can find freedom in forgiveness and it is something that everyone should practice throughout their lifetime.