Gracenotes

A week ago I had the opportunity to attend a gala dinner for “Bridges of Canada” and listen to Saskatoon MLA Serge LeClerc.  What an amazing story he had to tell.  Born to a single mother, a product of rape or mixed race, and in a state of poverty he was afforded little chance as his ‘identity’ was determined by the society in which he lived.

Growing up in abusive youth detention centers, and thrust into crime as a survival method he did just that survived.  Eventually he became Canada’s head of organized crime dealing in the drug trade, leader of several gangs, provided ‘protection’ for businesses, illegal brewing and sale of alcohol to local business, the list goes on an on.

His ‘luck’ eventually ran out and he was incarcerated for a series of his crimes.  While he was in jail, he met a chaplain who took the time to display Christ’s love which ultimately led him to Christ.  Years later, released from prison, his testimony has been shared all over Canada.  He received a full pardon and later became an MLA.  What a story…

His message was clear in that Christ loves all men and women equally, and there is nothing that separates you or I from those serving in our prison system, or born into an environment in which society labels a child which in turn becomes his/her assumed identity.  Love others regardless of their situation as one of God’s valued creations.

It was a compelling and heartfelt testimony which I will not soon forget.  I walked away changed by his words.  If you have the opportunity to listen to Serge speak I would encourage you to do so.