It was the Fall of 1986, I was a sophomore on the varsity football team. It was another normal and uneventful practice. In the corner-back position, about 30 yards off the line of scrimmage, I thought this was pointless given that I would never be in the game at this position.

Yet, at this practice, the coach called a sweep play that would send our halfback, Paul Reese (#44), in my direction. Did I also mention that he was one of the best runners on our track team? He lived about seven blocks from where I lived. But on this play, my life would be changed.

Many yards down the field, I figured he would give up. So when he was ten yards away, I opened my arms for a tackle that would have been a hug. Paul decided to pick up speed, drop his head and drive right through me.

Felt like I was hit by a freight train. I fell back several yards. Coach called us to the sideline to have a team meeting. My chin was wet and when I asked Danny was there something on my chin, he went ashen white. Turned out that Paul busted my chin wide open. I had it stitched up (anesthesia kicked in after the fourth stitch) and I was left with a permanent scar on my face.

I think Paul may have also been one of the three seniors that threw me into the gym when I had no clothes on. It was my life but I moved on.

Almost two decades later, Paul and I reconnected on Facebook. It was great to see on old face from school and the neighborhood. But the strangest thing happened. Paul asked me to forgive him for what he did to me! Not once, but twice.

Until he said something, I never gave that injury much thought because it was part of my life. I shaved around the scar and realized that it was a part of me that could never be changed. But having Paul apologize was a wondrous moment because very few Blacks who have scarred me have asked for forgiveness. He was the first that I can recall.

I do not know where Paul is in his life today. He could be a millionaire changing the world. He could even be a pro-Black, anti-cop, protesting, looter for all I know. Though, I want to give him the benefit of the doubt because of the act of courage it took him to seek forgiveness from me. I will never forget that.

Did he have a Damascus Road experience? Is that why he felt compelled to get right? At this point, I don't care. But I pray that people can realize the significance of this story.

The person who wronged me, sought forgiveness from me. He did not send an ambassador, his siblings or an entourage. He did it himself!

There are people walking around with scars from truly sinful people who are looking for forgiveness from people who are not obligated to extend it. Blacks in America are looking for an apology, reparations and so much more from people who were not the agents of evil executed against them nor their ancestors.

There are a lot of people walking around with scars (emotional and psychological that came from the stories of their loved ones that were wronged. And they carry that pain and resentment in a very unhealthy manner. And it shows!

My scar does not define me! It never did! This is a lesson that we all need to learn. Thank you, Paul, for my scar. Because without the pain, I could not experience the healing!