I first became aware of Ted Haggard via a film by Richard Dawkins and a documentary called Jesus Camp.  I instantly hated the man.  So pompously judgmental and cursed with funny lips as well.  He represented to me all that I find embarrassing about Christianity.  Not only do I understand why people choose not to follow a God with his kind of disciples, the old Haggard makes me want to distance myself from his God and his church.

Then he got caught.  His hypocrisy was exposed.  It gave me a twisted joy to see him eat a slice of humble pie.

And now I find this video. People of a Second Chance : Ted and Gayle Haggard.

And this one. Where Truth and Grace Collide

And now I’m the one who looks pompous and arrogant.

He talks about his failures, how others have rejected him, and his way forward.  He still looks weird, at times is weird, and I rightfully wonder if this time he is telling the truth.

All of a sudden, the gospel makes sense when told by Ted Haggard.  I want to follow his God.  I want to be part of a faith that welcomes the broken with open arms.  On days when I doubt, I want to believe this story of redemption is true.  I want to believe that God can pick up the pieces of a ridiculous man and create something beautiful.

I never would have pegged Ted Haggard as someone I’d cheer for.  He certainly doesn’t deserve it.  The point, it seems, is that none of us do.  From Hitler to Ted Haggard to Mother Teresa, we’re all sinners in need of God’s grace.  Ted Haggard’s fall was steep but he truly seems to have fallen forward into grace.  I’m rooting for him.