An unforgettable story of forgiveness
An unforgettable story of forgiveness
Four years prior, I viewed a video on YouTube featuring a woman who was accomplishing remarkable work supporting underserved children in downtown Columbus, Ohio. She had established a center for after-school programs, where youth could gather to enjoy a snack, complete their assignments, learn about Jesus Christ, and interact with one another in a secure setting.
What a fantastic endeavor, I mused. Then I continued to observe. There was a purpose behind her efforts. Isn’t there always a motive? However, Rachel Muha’s was truly remarkable.
In 1999, Rachel experienced the devastating loss of her younger son, Brian, who was brutally murdered following the abduction of him and his roommate from their off-campus residence at the Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio. Brian, a talented and compassionate 18-year-old from Westerville, Ohio, had a promising future. He aspired to become a physician — to serve, as you might expect, underprivileged children.
However, there is an even more astonishing aspect of this tale, which is that Rachel openly forgave the individuals who took her son’s life before his remains had even been discovered. And it’s that gesture of forgiveness that has transformed existence after existence in the two decades since then.
How do I know this? Because I had the opportunity to narrate her story. Following the viewing of the YouTube video (on a recommendation from Kevin Lowry, a member of OSV’s Board of Directors), I engaged in discussions with book editors at OSV and offered my assistance to collaborate with Rachel in sharing her story — and the efforts of The Brian Muha Foundation — better known.
For the following three years, I communicated and met with Rachel, discussing Brian’s abduction and her experiences in seeking him out (even searching through dumpsters); about coping with sorrow and her choice to forgive; about the two young men who took her son’s life; about her elder son, Chris, and the pain he endured; about the horrific criminal trials that took place and were repeated; on grief, racial issues, and capital punishment; and ultimately, on how she has become a motivating force for change in her community and beyond. The outcome was a new book, released in November, titled “Legacy of Mercy: A True Story of Murder and a Mother’s Forgiveness” (OSV, $19.95).
In these pages, I strive to present the reader with the woman who initially enchanted me in that YouTube video — the woman who dedicated her life to helping others and, through that, devoted herself to God. Who understands this better than the young individuals she has supported throughout the years? One of my favorite testimonies to the impact of Rachel’s efforts is the fact that those who initially visited the center as children are now coming back to assist the next generation. Daniel Houston, 22, is one of those “Racers” now employed full-time at the Day School. When I interviewed him, he expressed, “If Miss Rachel is listening: I love you, man. I’m grateful for everything you’ve done for me.” His words still bring tears to my eyes today.
Due to Rachel’s unwavering dedication and diligence, “Legacy of Mercy” is now outdated. The day school has increased its enrollment (complete with fresh uniforms!), and a gym expansion is in progress. Supervising this all is a large photograph of Brian, displayed on the wall outside the center’s office. Thanks to his mother — for her extraordinary faith, her compassion for others, and her choice to forgive despite all challenges — he will not just be remembered as a boy who passed away. Instead, he will be celebrated as a boy whose premature and heartbreaking death contributed to making a difference in the world.
Gretchen R. Crowe is the editor-in-chief of OSV News. Follow her on Twitter @GretchenOSV.
