Oklahoma City Thunder’s Monty Williams stood in the pulpit this month and gave God glory in a eulogy that left renowned athletes and coaches sobbing.
“This is hard for my family, but this will work out. And my wife would punch me if I were to sit up here and whine about what is going on. That doesn’t take away the pain, but it will work out because God causes all things to work out,” Williams said, referencing Romans 8:28.
The assistant coach’s wife died from injuries sustained in a car crash, according to NOLA.com.
According to Oklahoma City police, Ingrid Williams’ vehicle was hit head-on by a vehicle that lost control and crossed lanes. The driver of the automobile that crossed lanes also died as a result of the wreck, NOLA reports.
But Williams says his family is focusing on forgiveness.
“And we have no ill will toward that family. That family didn’t wake up wanting to hurt my wife. Life is hard—it is very hard—and that was tough. But we hold no ill will toward the Donaldson family. And we, as a group, brothers united in unity, should be praying for that family because they grieve as well. So let’s not lose sight of what’s important.”
His strong words touched the hearts of many, especially as he closed with: “In my house, we have a sign that says, ‘As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.’ We cannot serve the Lord if we don’t have a heart of forgiveness.”
Williams, the former coach of the New Orleans Pelicans, inspired incumbent Alvin Gentry.
“Just the overall thing and the theme of it and the way his kids handled it, to me, they’ve got great faith and you can see God is right there with them,” Gentry said.
“I was glad I was there. Monty made everyone feel better in a really difficult situation and what has happened and and the tragedy that’s gone on and even making reference to the other family. To me, that’s something of the highest character of a person that you could possibly ever think of,” Gentry told NOLA.
Watch the video to see Williams’ powerful speech.
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