A man, who had already lost his beloved wife to an illness that had taken her life a few months earlier, had only one child. An adorable blonde-haired dark-eyed baby girl they had named Leslie Raynelle. Leslie was understandably the light of her dad’s life. Everything he did, everything he worked for, was focused on what was best for his little daughter.

But then a catastrophic day came. The day when the man’s entire beloved hometown, where he had lived his entire life, was put in the laser focus of certain unavoidable disaster. At the last possible moment, Little Leslie’s daddy realized that he had the solution for the safety of the townspeople at his fingertips, but to do so he undoubtedly would have to let his own baby die as a result of his actions.

Suddenly he was in the unenviable position of having to make an agonizing decision; save the people of the village, or rescue her. He didn’t have the time and ability to do both and be successful.

The man made his decision, and saved the lives of an entire small town.

Later, after everyone in the vicinity was safe, there were those who criticized, vilified and even hated him for leaving his nine-month-old baby girl to obvious death. Public opinion was sharply divided for and against the man. Many wanted to bring criminal neglect charges against the grieving father. Others mourned his loss with him, hailed the man as their hero and vigorously defended him. They recognized his sacrifice in giving up the one he loved, in order that so many could live.

That man lived the rest of his life on earth dogged by his double reputation of killer and deliverer. Miserable, grieving and alone, he left his hometown and relocated several times through the years in an effort to find peace. But no matter where he lived, gossip, questioning of his real motives and longheld grudges followed him. News stories on national television and all the other venues made the rounds and re-rounds. Even years later the sad facts of the baby’s death were dug up, investigated for potential foul play and discussed endlessly. Again, and again.

The only peace he was able to find was in his heart. He knew that he had given up his Leslie, the center of his entire world, for the greater good of a town that misunderstood his motives and his agonizing actions.

Sounds horrible. A father who loved his child deeply, but had to make the decision to deliberately let her die. So that others could live, and have the opportunity to be with their loved ones for a full life.

Same thing God the Father did to His Son thousands of years ago. For you and I. And so many misunderstand His heart and His actions too.

— Podcasts are available at Coffeetimecolumn.com. Send any responses to andybowman839@gmail.com.