Dear Brock,
Hi, I'm Seth. I'm a college student, just like you. No, I've never been influenced by the party culture. In fact, I've never been to a party. So, I don't know what being under the influence does to you. But, I personally believe that no alcoholic drink or drug influences a person to rape a woman. When you say that alcohol made you rape her, I can't believe that.
Brock, what you did was wrong. I don't believe there is one human being that believes rape is okay. Hopefully, if you could go back, not knowing the consequences of your actions, you still wouldn't have harmed her.
Brock, I saw the statement you made. You promised to never have a drink of alcohol again in your life. You promised to bring awareness to sexual abuse and rape. Those promises are encouraging. I hope and pray those are true. I don't know if you said those things to lighten your sentence or if you truly meant it. I hope it's the latter.
Brock, regardless of what you say, you can't take back what you did. That night has changed your victim's life forever. Sadly, there'll never be day where that night is erased from her mind. I've never interacted with a rape victim, but I can't imagine "I'm sorry" will ever ease the pain.
Brock, your life will never be the same. You're going to prison. To be brutally honest, you're hated by millions of people. You were given a lifetime ban from USA Swimming. You will probably never be able to get a job. Your name will be remembered for your one major mistake.
Brock, the Bible says in Romans, that the wages of sin is death. It also says that we have all sinned and fallen short. So, you messed up. You really messed up. But, your life isn't over. Your story isn't finished.
Brock, like you, I've messed up a ton. No, I haven't raped a woman. But, I've stolen, cursed, had anger, said the Lord's name in vain and many other horrible things. I deserve death. I deserve pain and suffering for what I've done. Luckily, my sins no longer define me. Luckily, because of my Savior, I'm free from my sin.
Brock, I've found hope and forgiveness in Jesus Christ; you can too. I beg you to consider it. No, your mistakes won't magically disappear. Your prison sentence won't be shortened even more. But, your life will never be the same.
Brock, life with Jesus is freeing. Though the world will define you by your one mistake, He will see you as His son. He will see you as spotless, clean and worthy. If you secure your trust and faith in Jesus, I promise you, your mistakes will no longer define you.
Brock, Jesus is calling. Now's the time to come into his open arms.
Your friend,
Seth
