How I Forgave the Man Who Killed My Mother

Mr. Watts seemed to own or control everybody and everything within his power—he even managed to control the church affairs at Free Welcome Holiness Church, which he attended religiously. 

His favorite pew was pew seven. From that comfortable perch, he had the perfect vantage point to mind everyone’s business. What’s more, even though Mr. Watts was neither a professed believer nor a church member, the church followed his wishes without opposition. 

That is, until Daddy arrived on the scene. Daddy was a quick study. Witnessing Mr. Watts’ stranglehold on the church, Daddy made changes to end his dominance. 

Making the case that church business should be conducted by the church brethren as a whole—not by one or two outspoken individuals—the church family voted to turn the business of the church over to members only. From then on, stripped of his power, Mr. Watts had no say in church matters.

This came as a blow to Mr. Watts, who had been serving on the building committee. Mr. Watts became so angry that he sent us an unsigned threatening letter, which arrived at our house on Dec. 23, 1972.