Kathie Lee Gifford Recalls Radical Forgiveness Between Her and Howard Stern
By Movieguide® Staff
Legendary actress and former Movieguide® Award Gala host Kathie Lee Gifford recently talked about how she forgives those in the entertainment industry who attack her over her faith.
The outspoken Christian recently recalled an interaction with TV personality Howard Stern after he attacked her repeatedly for her Christian faith.
Legendary daytime television host Kathie Lee Gifford — known for her outspoken Christian faith — has hardly shied away from confrontation, even when it could come back to bite her.
The former TODAY anchor said that in 2012, she came face-to-face with Stern, despite their respective staff trying to keep them from interacting.
“I went, ‘Oh, there’s Howard,’” she said while on the “The Prodigal Stories Podcast.” “I didn’t think anything of it. And the Lord spoke very, very clearly to me. He said, ‘Kathie, I want you to go downstairs and say hello to him.’ I’d never met him, I’d never watched his show. I’d only heard and read about all the evil over the years. And I said, ‘OK, Lord. I will.’”
“I went downstairs in little flats [shoes] — he’s 6’6″ [and] I’m 5’6″ — and I find him,” Gifford continued. “I can barely get through the crowd. And I’m going, ‘Howard? Howard?’ And finally he looks at me. I said, ‘Hi, I’m Kathie Lee. I think it’s about time that we said hello. I just want to wish you all the best on the new show, and that’s it. Just take care. Have a good day.’”
Although Gifford’s hello to Stern was one sided, much like Stern’s attacks on Gifford, she “didn’t think anything of” their brief interaction.
However, after she arrived home she said that she received a voicemail from Stern, who had called her to ask for her forgiveness after the kindness she had shown that day.
According to Gifford, Stern called again the same day and they had a 20 minute conversation.
She recalled: “Howard, I’m so happy for you. Any time you start asking people to forgive you is the beginning of happiness in your life. You’re not a happy man; you never have been and so much of the hurtful things you say comes from — I know your background; you’ve been so hurt. I always understood that. Of course I forgive you.”
“But you’ve gotta know I forgave you 30 years ago, when you first started talking about me the way you did,” she added. “I forgave you 30 years ago, Howard. I’ve been praying for you ever since.”
Gifford does not credit herself for the ability to forgive, but Jesus and his example of forgiveness in the Bible.
Movieguide® previously reported:
Gifford said that she relies on the joy and purpose that only faith in God could give someone.
“Every single day, if I wake up and I have a pulse, I have a purpose,” Gifford said. “Life does beat you down, loss beats you down, hardship takes its toll, illness destroys your body. But Jesus said it’s not gonna be easy. He said, in this world, you will have trouble. But rejoice. Take heart. I have overcome the world. And because I have, I will empower you to overcome your world. My joy is non-negotiable,” Gifford said.
“I want to be purposeful, every day of my life, every moment of it. God is not the enemy of joy. He is the creator of joy. We got a lot to rejoice about. You want to fly? You want to soar? You want to dream big dreams and see them come true? You need to partner with the right person. Only Jesus. Only Jesus,” Gifford concluded.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Now more than ever we’re bombarded by darkness in media, movies, and TV. Movieguide® has fought back for almost 40 years, working within Hollywood to propel uplifting and positive content. We’re proud to say we’ve collaborated with some of the top industry players to influence and redeem entertainment for Jesus. Still, the most influential person in Hollywood is you. The viewer.
What you listen to, watch, and read has power. Movieguide® wants to give you the resources to empower the good and the beautiful. But we can’t do it alone. We need your support.
You can make a difference with as little as $7. It takes only a moment. If you can, consider supporting our ministry with a monthly gift. Thank you.
Movieguide® is a 501c3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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