His rage ruined his life | True Life Story | Facing The Fire Within Series on CEN

All the feuding between them fueled vengeance. . .and it exploded over their little boy.

This six-year-old was caught in a tug-of-war between his divorced parents, who continually battled over visitation rights. 

Marie Rothenberg had custody of young David . However, angry words, slammed phones, and smashed doors characterized the relationship with her ex-husband, Charles, as they argued over drop-off and pick-up times, and who got to spend Christmas morning with David.

Every argument stroked the inner flames of fury in Charles -until one day his anger raged wildly for the world to see. It was February 1983. Marie reported that David had not been returned at the proper time following a visit with his father. Not until several days later did Charles contact Marie , informing her that he had taken the boy to California.

Incensed by his unauthorized actions, Marie likened the illegal trip to a kidnapping and threatened to keep Charles from seeing David again. Uncontrolled rage consumed Charles. All the strain and struggle, the resentment and rage, became like two sticks rubbing together, ready to ignite at any moment. And in March 1983, they did.

Charles turned his eyes to his sleeping son in the small motel room. Vengeful fury warped his reasoning. If I can't have him, nobody's going to have him! Propelled by rage, Charles picked up  . . .the boy, the bed, and the motel room were all quickly engulfed in flames.

Miraculously, David's life was not snuffed out that night. Due to the heroic efforts of guests in nearby rooms, David was snatched from the flames. He was alive . . .but headache would forever hover over the horrific scene.

Although David survived the inferno, severe burns covered 90 percent of his body, leaving him permanently disfigured. From head to toe he would become a lasting picture of how one hot-tempered moment can change a life forever.

Among the many repercussions of burning anger are the countless lives permanently scarred with pain - the pain of devastated hope -the pain of destroyed dreams. 

Psalm 37:8, tells us, "Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret -it leads only to evil."

These words were certainly prophetic for Charles Rothenberg. That's precisely where his wrath led. His rage led him to be a "baby burner"  -his rage ruined his life.