Quote

Your final legacy in the community does not have to be defined by what has happened today. It can be defined by what you choose to do from today onwards.
Judge Jonathan Moses when sentencing Manu Vatuvei

Real Life

New Zealand Rugby League star, Manu Vatuvei, has known great heights of success as well as the depths of despair.

Vatuvei played 14 seasons for the New Zealand Warriors, scoring 156 tries for them. His powerful style of play earned him the nickname “The Beast” and he was a hero to many. Sadly, as he finished his time with the Warriors, Vatuvei’s life started spiralling downwards with alcohol abuse, drug use, and depression. The ultimate low for him was a drug conviction with a three-year prison sentence.

However, Vatuvai says that prison was a life-changer for him, that it gave him time to reflect on life and all his problems he had been trying to run away from. While in prison, Vatuvei saw a psychologist to help him work through the issues, something that he found hard to do but immensely valuable.

After serving 15 months of his sentence, Vatuvai was released; a humble, repentant man. He doesn’t expect people to forgive or forget his mistakes, but he hopes to use his story to help others avoid the same pitfalls.

When we know we have made a mistake, to own that poor decision is difficult, but actually, not facing our failings takes far more from us. We often start behaving differently as we try to hide what we want no one else to see. We may hurt those close to us, we may make more poor decisions with the consequences snow-balling, or we may isolate ourselves in our shame, making ourselves more vulnerable to depression and anxiety. The bible says that when we try to conceal our wrongdoings, we will not prosper, i.e. we cannot thrive, however, when we confess them and turn away from them, we experience mercy and hope (Proverbs 28:13).

Bible Verse

Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.
Proverbs 28:13

Prayer

Lord when I have fallen, give me the courage to face that mistake, own the consequences and move forward with Your help. Thank You for Your grace and mercy that never end.

Author: Sarah Auld   |   Content Editor: Phil Pawley