Dale Lang, a retired reverend who lost his son in a school shooting almost 27 years ago, emphasizes the power of forgiveness in overcoming tragedy. In 1999, his 17-year-old son, Jason, was fatally shot by a fellow student at W.R. Myers High School in Alberta. Despite the immense pain, Lang and his family found grace in forgiving the perpetrator, a decision that was pivotal in their healing process.
Reflecting on his experience, Lang shared his story in light of a recent mass shooting in Tumbler Ridge, B.C., which claimed the lives of nine individuals, including the 18-year-old shooter. While acknowledging the tragedy, Lang emphasized the importance of supporting the affected families during such difficult times.
Having gone through a similar ordeal, Lang stressed the significance of forgiveness as a means to avoid being consumed by anger and bitterness. He found solace in his faith and the act of forgiving, which enabled him to begin the journey of healing alongside his community. Returning to the high school where the shooting occurred, Lang and his wife played a role in supporting students and fostering a sense of hope amidst the tragedy.
Despite the immense challenges, Lang’s message of forgiveness and resilience resonates with those who have experienced similar tragedies. His book, “Jason Has Been Shot!”, co-authored with his son Mark, serves as a testament to their journey of healing and the impact of forgiveness in overcoming adversity.