I heard someone say that assumption is the lowest form of knowledge. Take any person, find the darkest secret in their life, blow it up out of all proportion, assume the worst, publicize it to the world on every news outlet, define their name by that act and you have successfully eliminated them from meaningful participation in public life.  Take the same person, discover their greatest sin, surround them with mercy and compassion, assume the best, protect them from exploitation, walk them through pain to hope to renewal to restoration and you have successfully preserved and enhanced their influence and public impact. In the latter case the failure frames their life message, in the former case they become a by-word and a mockery.  The latter is redemptive, the former demonic.

A Public Statement on Ted Haggard
 
No one is defined by their worst moments.  To understand a person you have to walk with them for many years.  Gayle Haggard knew the real Ted before she knew about the fomenting torment of his soul.  She just did not know his darkest parts. We are all adept at hiding those bits of ourselves which are least appealing. The truth about Ted Haggard was seen in his day to day pastoring and leading of a congregation that grew to some 14,000 people.