About Lyndon
Lyndon Harris is a forgiveness coach, and an inspirational and motivational speaker, having spoken for numerous conferences throughout the country and around the world. Harris has over 20 years’ experience as a pastor and his work at Ground Zero in New York City has been written about widely.
Harris began work as (Episcopal) priest in charge of Saint Paul’s Chapel in April 2001, (located directly across the street from the World Trade Center) to start a new community outreach. But after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, he initiated a rescue mission at Saint Paul’s Chapel to serve the critical needs of the first responders. With an enormous outpouring of love and support, Saint Paul’s Chapel was converted into a multi-faith relief center offering food (over 500,000 meals), massage therapy, grief counseling, and chiropractic and podiatric care around the clock. The rescue mission increased to over 15,000 volunteers and ran from September 15, 2001 to June 2, 2002.
But the heights of joy serving the needs of the rescue community after 9/11 were soon to be matched by the depths of despair. With over 240+ days exposure at the site, Harris was diagnosed with severe PTSD, depression, and compromised lung function. Becoming bitter and increasingly isolated, the combination of adverse circumstances and mistakes he made would cost him his marriage, his home, and his career. He would spend years in darkness. But through the loving encouragement of friends, the mercy of God, and the kindness of his community, he found a new start through the healing power of forgiveness. For the first time he heard with his heart the wisdom of Nelson Mandela, that “Not to forgive is like drinking poison and waiting for your enemies to die from it.” With a new lease on life and the zeal of a convert, Harris found his new mission: to teach about the healing power of forgiveness.
Harris’ work has been covered by many news organizations including the NY Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, CBS News, NBC News, CNN, Time Magazine, The Christian Science Monitor, Germany’s Die Zeit, and others. Harris’ work on a Garden of Forgiveness for Ground Zero in NYC has been featured in the award winning documentary, “The Power of Forgiveness” (Journey Films: 2006).
Harris directs the educational initiative, the Gardens of Forgiveness, dedicated to teaching forgiveness as a tool for personal wellness, conflict transformation, and coping with public tragedy.