Fight for forgiveness - Michael Stahl

A former bouncer and bodyguard is expected to be tough, unapproachable. All the more surprising Michael Stahl, who not only postulates love and forgiveness, but also lives according to them.

Michael Stahl is not particularly tall, he shaved his hair briefly. The dark beard makes him look casual, a light smile plays around his lips as he steps through the door a little late. The martial artist looks lightly stressed out, but greets everyone in the room with open warmth. His colleague makes him a coffee. "He has a lot to do at the moment," explains the trainer.

The 59-year-old runs a small sports school in Bopfingen, where he was born. He has been doing martial arts since he was 12 years old. "I think I did martial arts because my life has been a struggle," he says, looking into the distance. His life is marked by suffering and pain. Stahl grew up as the son of an unemployed alcoholic. His father abused him both physically and psychologically by memorizing words that still have an impact today: 'You are nothing! You can't do anything! Nothing will come of you!’“ That leaves its mark, ”says the Swabian. “The sentences lose power, but they are still there.“It seems like he's still hearing them.

His father has been dead for more than 10 years. But it still shapes Stahl today. Above all, he tells an event over and over again: "I went to him that day and said: 'I love you and forgive me.’” Stahl tells the story with a determination in his voice that shows little of his struggle for this decision at the time. He is often asked why he apologized to his father and did not insist on his request for forgiveness. His answer surprises some: “My father hit me, kicked me, spat on, did a lot of bad things. But I think if we only make a mistake with other people and the other is guilty of us millions of times, it is in my heart, for me: go and beg your pardon for this one guilt."

The life of the martial artist has been shaped by forgiveness since he forgave his father. Today he gives lectures with the association "Protactis" wherever he is invited: in kindergardens, schools, but also in prisons. His focus is always on forgiveness and love. His mission: "I tell people about my defeats. And whether someone is in prison or not, we all have our concerns. We all have our doubts and that's where I want to meet people."

Stahl's life has changed 180 degrees through reconciliation with his father. The once fatherless is now a father, a role model for many. Many people seek advice from him and some have already found courage to forgive through his example. "I don't know how many crimes we have prevented because people have expressed love or asked each other for forgiveness. God will know that, "reveals the professing Christian.

Fighters, bouncers, bodyguard - trainer, role model, father. Michael Stahl's story is characterized by apparent contradictions. Opposites that enable him now to understand others in their suffering.

You are able to read Michael Stahl`s book called "Kein Herz aus Stahl" to get to know his whole story: https://brunnen-verlag.de/kein-herz-aus-stahl.html (It is only available in German.)