This Pastor’s Message for the Man Who Killed His Pregnant Wife Should Bring Us All to Our Knees

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Two weeks ago, Indianapolis Pastor Davey Blackburn came home from the gym and was met with unimaginable tragedy. His pregnant wife had been shot in the head during a home invasion.



Amanda, the 28-year-old mother of a 1-year-old son (and baby on the way) was rushed to the hospital after being found “unresponsive and suffering from apparent signs of trauma” by first responders last Tuesday. Sadly, she passed away in the hospital in critical condition.

Sunday night, an arrest was made in the case and an 18-year-old man will be charged with Amanda’s murder. Davey released a statement after the arrest, and his words cut my heart clean in two. He said:

“Though it does not undo the pain we are feeling, I was extremely relieved to get the news of the arrest made last night of Amanda’s killer. The investigators have assured me they have a solidly-built case to ensure justice is levied and the process is expedited. The family and I couldn’t be more thankful for the level of compassion and professionalism the IMPD and investigators have shown us through the last couple of weeks. My hope is for 3 things in the weeks and months to come:

(1) That the court system would have wisdom on how to prosecute this man, so that no one else endures the pain Amanda and our family have had to endure because of his actions.

(2) That through all of this and although there will be great consequences for his actions, he would become truly sorry for what he has done and would even begin to experience the life-transforming power of the Grace and Mercy of Jesus Christ.

(3) That Jesus would give me and our family a heart of forgiveness.

Though everything inside of me wants to hate, be angry, and slip into despair I choose the route of forgiveness, grace and hope. If there is one thing I’ve learned from Amanda in the 10 years we were together, it’s this: Choosing to let my emotions drive my decisions is recipe for a hopeless and fruitless life. Today I am deciding to love, not hate. Today I am deciding to extend forgiveness, not bitterness. Today I am deciding to hope, not despair. By Jesus’ power at work within us, the best is STILL yet to come. Even when I don’t see it, I believe it to be true.”

I can’t imagine going through such a tragedy and responding with such love. Blackburn’s response is a true testament of what the power of Christ can do to the hearts of men and women, and like Davey, I pray that Amanda’s killer will come to know that power of Christ too.

Please join me in praying for the Blackburns and for the young man who took Amanda’s life, too.

Source: ForEvery Mom