First Lady Jenny Sanford “willing to forgive”

Raymond Owens
Published: July 2, 2009
Updated: July 2, 2009

News 2 received this statement from the First Lady on Thursday:

Statement from First Lady Jenny Sanford

Columbia, S.C. - July 2, 2009- The last week has been very painful for me, my family and for the people of South Carolina. However, throughout this terrible ordeal, the incredible outpouring of kindness, support, and prayer I’ve received from countless friends and folks I have never even met has been truly uplifting. I appreciate that more than I can say. Please know that my sons and I are doing fine, given the circumstances. We are surrounded by friends and family, and we will make it through this. I believe it is how we respond to the challenges we face in life, and what we learn from them, that is most telling about who we truly are.

There is no question that Mark’s behavior is inexcusable. Actions have consequences and he will be dealing with those consequences for a long while. Trust has been broken and will need to be rebuilt. Mark will need to earn back that trust, first and foremost with his family, and also with the people of South Carolina.

The real issue now is one of forgiveness. I am willing to forgive Mark for his actions. We have been deeply disappointed in and even angry at Mark. The Bible says, “In your anger do not sin.“ (Psalm 4:4) In this situation, this speaks to the essence of forgiveness and the critical need to channel one’s energy into positive steps that uphold the dignity of marriage and the family, and lead to reconciliation over time. My forgiveness is essential for us both to move on with our lives, with peace, in whatever direction that may take us.

Desmond Tutu said “forgiveness is the grace by which you enable the other person to get up, and get up with dignity, to begin anew.“ Forgiveness opens the door for Mark to begin to work privately, humbly and respectfully toward reconciliation with me. However, to achieve true reconciliation will take time, involve repentance, and will not be easy.

Mark showed a lack of judgment in his recent actions as governor. However, his far more egregious offenses were committed against God, the institutions of marriage and family, our boys and me. Mark has stated that his intent and determination is to save our marriage, and to make amends to the people of South Carolina. I hope he can make good on those intentions, and for the sake of our boys I leave the door open to it. In that spirit of forgiveness, it is up to the people and elected officials of South Carolina to decide whether they will give Mark another chance as well.

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Flag Comment Posted by tovasamaz on July 30, 2009 at 4:07 pm

Dear Mrs. Sanford, I disagree that your husband should apologize to the public for what had happened in his family. It is nobody's business. AS for you, if you really want him back, the best strategy, I think, is to erase the past as quickly as you can. If i were you, i would also work hard on finding the reasons and that brought the drama in my family. My grandma used to say "Noone runs away from heaven" I wish you the best of judgment and the best of heart!

Flag Comment Posted by Joanie on July 03, 2009 at 9:29 am

Jenny Sanford, I applaud your efforts of forgiveness and possible reconciliation with your husband. I pray that you know that you are not alone in your pain and hurt--that the Lord is there with you at all times. True forgiveness is a hard but worthy effort to pursue. May you let the Lord help you with any and all bitterness that creeps in. I've seen bitterness destroy people in heartbreaking ways. Anyone that speaks against this worthy effort of forgiveness that you are choosing to pursue: I pray that they seek help for the unforgiveness, anger and hurt that they hold within their own selves. I pray and hope that your efforts towards your husband will be an example to many, many marriages in need of reconciliation, forgiveness and healing.

Flag Comment Posted by beenthere on July 03, 2009 at 8:40 am

Jenny, if you choose to read the comments i would just like to say good for you. It is a hard path to forgive and try to move forward in this situation. Regardless of what anyone says, you need to act in such a way that you can look in the mirror and say "I am proud of what I am doing". It takes courage and bravery to do what you have done so far, and I will pray that you continue to walk the hard path. It would be much easier to give up, become bitter, and attack. I have chosen a similar path in the past and my life is better,fuller, and much more joyful because of the difficult steps I chose to take. yours will be as well. You are in my prayers.

Flag Comment Posted by dee on July 02, 2009 at 9:14 pm

Dear Ms Jenny I cannot believe you are actually allowing yourself to be dirtied more by this "man"! You and your children deserve more than this man is capable of giving and do not think this will end with this affair. I am so sorry for you and the children. Please think long and hard before you make your decision. This is for the rest of your lives and some things are better tossed and started over. Please do not lower yourself to his level! You will find better days ahead. I have and now I have peace and no more wondering every time I am alone!

Flag Comment Posted by Stanley on July 02, 2009 at 3:39 pm

Jenny probably did not see Andy Savage on Comcast 2 earlier. He was talking about another women in the Sanford closet,... The Sutton lady, who hired McCullough, atty., fearing Sanford was going to put her name in the street. The rumor is that Sutton has been having an affair with Sanford for months. But they say that there is more. Another woman, former employee in the Governor's Office by the name of "Marcia". Lastly, I was told there is more involving the Commerce folks. Someone needs to investigate these allegations. For Jenny and the family, I hope they can reconcile, but, having been through a similar situation, the odds are very, very low. I cannot believe that she is willing to take him back after all those statements about his true "Soul mate".

Flag Comment Posted by Cynthia on July 02, 2009 at 3:17 pm

Jenny, I am praying that God will give you the strength to weather this storm. I've been in a very similar situation and all I can say is...you're a much better woman than I am.

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First Lady Jenny Sanford “willing to forgive”

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