TOPPING
THE SENTENCE

Topics: Betrayal; Forgiveness; Redemption; Relationships; Restoration; Stealing; Trust

References: Matthew 6:12–15; 18:21–35; Colossians 3:12–14

Mark Gagnon worked as a clerk in a store owned by James Brazeau. Brazeau had promised to bring Gagnon a New England Patriots hat when he returned from the football game. Brazeau arrived as promised, hat in hand, only to discover Gagnon had stolen $4,382 worth of lottery tickets from the store.

Gagnon was prosecuted, and just before he was sentenced, his former boss, Brazeau, walked over to the defendant’s table and presented Gagnon with a paper bag. He said, “I want this to be a learning experience for you.” The judge made the hat part of the sentence, ordering Gagnon to wear the hat every time he appeared in public for the next two years.

—William H. Nix, Character Works (Broadman & Holman, 1999)