Associated with transformation, or maybe reincarnation. It conveys the sense that once something rots away and becomes putrid, it can then come back into something new. So, there’s a rebirth element here.
Narrative
“Victimized, bereaved, and disappointed, seemingly at every turn, I still resist feeling defeated, or cynical. I have come to believe that anger and grudges are burning embers in the heart not worth carrying through life. The best response to those who wound me is to get away from them—and wish them well.”
Commentary
Lead is associated with rotting away and coming back to life again as something new. The protagonist bears no ill will to those who’ve done him wrong. Although the world appears godless, he still chooses to turn the other cheek. In a way he pities the people who’ve tried to hurt him, because he knows they’re in essence living in their own hell, whereas he has escaped that by governing his passion with reason. There’s irony here, since he’s acting on a Christian value—turn the other cheek—but not for religious reasons (the world is godless) but because it makes sense.