I was trying to avoid it at all costs, but it has been everywhere. Turn on the TV, it was there, Facebook, twitter, even in the hardware store. If if you didn’t want to participate, you had to be pretty isolated to not have some clue about the Casey Anthony trial. And now it has make it to this “buffet of buffets”.
So, the verdict came down yesterday and the world went crazy. Surprise, shock, and even outrage has been the rule of the day. As I mentioned, I have tried to avoid this whole thing and have only paid partial attention whenever I have been around any coverage, but even with that little bit of observation, it’s pretty easy to lean toward the guilty side.
But today, I wanted to throw some other thoughts in the ring for your consideration. I probably should not go here, and maybe very wrong about this, but here are some things tangentially related to the trial that I post for your consideration.
I noticed the outrage and condemnation all over my Facebook world last night and it reminded me of my old preacher man Steve Riley who would frequently say something to the effect of “we are quick to judge when it’s others, but quick to beg for mercy when it is us”. (That’s not really a quote, and I am sure he was not the original creator of that thought, but it is him who I always think of when that concept creeps into my little brain)
Anyway, as you consider the Anthony young lady, and the disaster that is her existence on this Earth, think about the mercy that you walk in the the light of everyday. Do she do it? – yes probably. Is it just the most horrific thing you can think of – well for me, I can actually think of some things much more horrific, but this one is pretty bad. Should the legal system produce a more just result?- I would think so. (That being said, I am glad for a legal system that leans toward innocence, versus the alternative). Should we react to her in a condemning way – hm, this is where I catch myself. Take a look at these two teachings:
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment! James 2:12-13 New International Version 1984 (NIV1984)
22 And you must show mercy to those whose faith is wavering. 23 Rescue others by snatching them from the flames of judgment. Show mercy to still others, but do so with great caution, hating the sins that contaminate their lives. Jude 1:22-23 New Living Translation (NLT)
The Christ, the most beautiful man to ever live, and I mean that not in appearance, but in his character and spirit, admonishes us to be careful with judgement, even so much as to turn that over to God, and to be free with mercy – rescuing those who are in trouble, but hating the actions they have taken. I wish I could be that way, and that is why I sit and stare at these verses this morning and consider the tragedy in Orlando, and formulate what sort of reaction to have to that mess.
What do you think?