Chris Brown And The Power of “I’m Sorry!”

I’m sorry can close up a wound so deeply rooted that no salve could ever touch.

I’m sorry can mend relationships quick fast and in a hurry.

I’m sorry can make the difference of life and death.

I’m sorry can re-establish credibility and rebuild who people thought they knew.

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I’m sure by now we are all aware that Chris Brown issued an apology before the public.  Bra-vo! And I mean that with all sincerity.  It is often times the apology that elicits the healing process.   It’s the apology that shows humility.  When we don’t hear from the perpetrator, we assume that they are withholding something from us that we believe we deserve – justice.

Here’s what I like about what Chris Brown said:

“I’m sorry!”

“I’m not going to make any excuses.”

“What I did was inexcusable.”

“I’m very saddened and very ashamed at what I’ve done.”

“I’ve spent a lot of time trying to figure out what happened and why.”

“…I saw firsthand what uncontrolled rage can do.”

“I can only ask and pray that you forgive me…please.”

Let me tell you why I liked his 2 minute monologue.  It appeared sincere and it was brave – bottom line.  I liked the fact that he called the spade a spade (uncontrolled rage).  I think if people knew the power behind the apology AND identifying the name of their indiscretion, they would issue them a little bit more generously.  Call it what it is.  If it’s abuse…say it!  “I’m sorry for abusing you.”  If it’s rejection…say it!  “I’m sorry for rejecting you.”  If it’s a lie…say it!  “I’m sorry for lying to you.”  Whatever the issue, you’ve got to be able to call it what it is or you leave the situation no less ambiguous than when it began.

Pride often prevents people from acknowledging their wrongs and the Bible clearly tells us that “Pride goes before destruction,” (Proverbs 16:18).   It is our responsibility to humble ourselves.  Every mention of humility seems to require it to be an act of the will.  I don’t know many people who would be willing to be as public with their apology as was Chris Brown.  He could have left well enough alone by remaining closed-mouthed about the entire matter.  With that, he would have been the brunt of every ill-mannered comment with wonders of his scruples.

Kudos to Chris Brown.

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