Rudy Tomjanovich

Rudy Tomjanovich, the former basketball coach of the Houston Rockets and more recently the Los Angeles Lakers experienced an unusual event in 1973. As a robust twenty-five-year old, Rudy was playing for the Rockets.

In the middle of a close game, a fight broke out at center court. Rudy rushed over to the unfolding conflict, running at full speed, to try to break it up. Just as he arrived, a player whipped around and without looking, swung as hard as he could.

Unfortunately, the punch landed right in Rudy's face. It was labeled the "punch heard around the world". The blow fractured Rudy's skull, broke his nose and cheekbones, and nearly killed him. Although Rudy was sidelined for months following the devastating punch, he eventually recovered.

One day after Rudy recuperated, a reporter asked him, "Rudy, have you ever forgiven the player who wounded you so badly?" Without hesitation, Rudy said immediately, "Absolutely, I've totally forgiven him."

The reporter shook as his head as though he was perplexed. "Come on, Rudy, that guy nearly killed you. He caused you all that pain. He stole part of your career. Do you mean to tell me you don't have any anger, any hatred or bitterness toward him?"

Rudy smiled, "I don't have any at all." The reporter stared at him in disbelief. He finally asked, "Rudy, tell me, how do you do it? How could you possibly forgive that man who hurt you so badly?"

Rudy replied, "I knew if I wanted to move on with my life, I had to let it go. I didn't do it for him. I did it so I can be free."

We often fail to consider the residual effects of unresolved conflict in our lives.

Ephesians 4:31, "Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice".

From Your Best Life Now by Joel Osteen, pp. 160-161.