Let’s Forgive Donald Trump and Move On

I cringed when I read the transcript. And then, I could not resist — I watched the video and listened to the audio.

The words Donald Trump said 11 years ago are repulsive. The idea that someone would say such things is unforgivable, right? And so we, the conservative bunch that rallied, will shrug our shoulders, hide in our bunkers, and hope to come out in four years with a better candidate. After all, it’s the respectable thing to do, isn’t it?

Don’t believe that. Don’t accept that.

No one should expect perfection from another human being, even one running for the presidency of the U.S.

Fortunately, I have never said anything offensive. It is a relief to know that my words have always been uplifting, gentle, pure of heart. I have never regretted a comment, joke, or phrase because it was inappropriate.

That is, of course — completely untrue.

I have gossiped. I have made callous comments. I have mocked and bragged and hurt other people with nothing more than my cutting remarks and snide words. I am not proud of it, nor should I be. But those mistakes are not the definition of who I am, other than a demonstration of the sin I desperately need forgiveness for. And if every private conversation was dredged up out of the pit of perversity, I doubt I would be the only one who would feel ashamed.

Related: Why I Pray for Donald Trump

Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine quoted Matthew 15:18 during the vice presidential debate this week: “But the words you speak come from the heart — that’s what defiles you.” However, this verse speaks to all people, not just those who have been caught saying something they regret. I think terrible things, and often speak those thoughts out loud against my better judgment and conviction of the Holy Spirit because I am flawed. I am human.

Here are the facts: Two men, 11 years ago, having what they thought was a private conversation, made some rather explicit comments. Were those comments disgusting? Absolutely. Were they wrong to make them? Without a doubt. Should I sacrifice the future of my country and my own common sense because of that error? Of course not.

Once again, we must make a choice. The vast majority of Republicans believed Donald Trump was the best person to turn our floundering country around despite his flaws. We listened to his tough-love assessment of our current predicament and bought into his promise to make America great again. The picture he painted of opportunity ahead restored our personal dreams for our own lives and those of our children. Are we really going to give up so easily over lewd comments made in casual conversation 11 years ago?

Related: Christianity or Politics? Choose Both

And may I also point out, that many of the people who are so “shocked” by this audio are the same celebrities who have made a rather lucrative living from lyrics and lines that are far more suggestive and vulgar. Is such commentary acceptable for entertainment purposes but deplorable otherwise? Is there no accountability for their words because they were paid to say or sing them? We should not be shamed into submission by those who have never demonstrated public morality — and now use self-righteousness for their own political motivation.

These few minutes in Donald Trump’s life should be acknowledged, and he apologized, more than once. I believe it is understandable to be disgusted and even unsettled. But remember that pride comes with a hefty price tag. We all live in glass houses and should use caution if we throw stones. Will we look past all of the good and simply focus on the error?

Our country is at stake. No one should expect perfection from another human being — even one running to be the president of the United States.

Katie Nations is a wife of 15 years and a working mother of three young children. She lives in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.