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Former gymnast who suffered abuse shares biblical view of forgiveness, justice

In the face of evil, and with the eyes of the nation upon her, Rachael Denhollander stood up and proclaimed the power of the Gospel during the trial of convicted physician Larry Nassar.

As a teen gymnast, Denhollander was abused at the hands of Nassar, who was the USA Gymnastics national team doctor. It would be decades before she and countless other victims would see him brought to trial. Denhollander, who is now a lawyer, was the first person to publicly accuse Nassar of his crimes and opened the floodgates of hundreds of other victim testimonies, among them prominent Olympians Simone Biles, Gabby Douglas, and Aly Raisman.

At Liberty University’s Convocation on Monday, Denhollander recounted the now infamous trial that put Nassar behind bars for the rest of his life, serving three concurrent sentences that range from 40-175 years each. But what made Denhollander’s story so riveting was not the measure of justice visited upon her tormentor, but her passion to see God’s mercy rain upon him.

“One of the dynamics of walking through this process has been realizing afresh how beautiful the grace of God is,” Denhollander said. “I am not Larry Nassar, but I have sinned. … That could be me in God’s courtroom with final judgment being passed. But it won’t be because of the sacrifice of Christ. Not because of my merit, not because saying the magic words ‘I’m sorry’ meant that I hadn’t done wrong things, but because I am loved by a redeemer who stood in my place.”

After viewing clips of Denhollander’s sentencing hearing remarks, which closed the proceedings, students gave her a standing ovation for her powerful words that not only called for justice (including the maximum sentence) but also extended forgiveness and expressed hope that Nassar will personally experience the Gospel.

Denhollander explained Monday that forgiveness is about releasing our bitterness and desire for vengeance, while justice is holding to an outward standard of right and wrong.

“When He (Christ) forgives our sins, He is not saying, ‘What you did does not matter anymore,’” Denhollander said. “He is saying, ‘Because justice was meted out on me, I can extend mercy and forgiveness to you.’ … Justice is the foundation for forgiveness. If you lose that standard … justice becomes meaningless.”

Denhollander encouraged the crowd to fight for justice on earth and to seek true repentance in their own hearts — repentance that agrees with God about sin, that is humble, that turns away from sin, that accepts the consequences of one’s actions, and that depends upon Christ for restoration.

She also offered hope to those who have suffered.

“God has not chosen to erase all of the evil in the fallen world that we live in, but He has promised to bring final justice and final perfect healing in the end,” Denhollander said. “The depth of the darkness proves the beauty of Christ. We can recognize and understand the sin and the evil and the depravity because there is something so much better.”

As part of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, Denhollander also gave a presentation in Liberty University School of Law’s Supreme Courtroom Monday afternoon.

Denhollander’s visit to Liberty was orchestrated by School of Law Professor Boz Tchividjian, a nationally recognized victim advocate and founder of G.R.A.C.E., an organization that helps prevent and respond to issues of abuse in the Christian community.

Students also rallied to bring her to campus. Junior Laura Genn started a petition that received more than 440 signatures. Genn said she hopes that Denhollander’s testimony helps embolden students to discuss issues of sexual abuse.

“It’s an awkward conversation,” Genn said. “But having Convocations like this opens up that conversation so students can realize that Liberty is a safe place to talk about these issues, and they don’t have to be afraid or alone.”

Those who know or believe they have experienced abuse in their life (no matter how long ago) are encouraged to seek help. At Liberty, students can receive support from an LU Shepherd or from Student Counseling Services. Incidents including assault, harassment, and discrimination should be reported through Liberty’s Title IX Office.

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