Friday, November 11, 2011

What I've learned from Penn State

1. We take sports too seriously.
               It's absolutely ridiculous that some are outraged over people losing their jobs. Get a grip people. Children have been abused. Being good at sports or being a good coach doesn't make you a good person.  Possessing talent doesn't mean you have good character. We put people on pedestals because they play a game with a ball. I love sports, but I love them too much. Is it okay to overlook character flaws or warning signs because people are getting results? We are incredibly lost if character doesn't mean something.

2. People actually do believe in  right and wrong.
              There isn't anybody defending Sandusky. Why? He's a monster who did horrible things. In our hearts we understand that some things are wrong and we cry out for justice. Those who kept silent are sinners too. The bible teaches us that those who know to do good and don't do it are sinning. We cannot be silent and let evil prevail.

3. We are very sure of ourselves
             I've heard it a million times, if I would have seen it or known about it I would have put a bullet in his head. I would have done something. Don't get me wrong, I feel the same way, but we don't know. We don't know what we would have done in the same situation. If we are so angry, how can we channel that into good? One good thing that has come out of this is it's reminded us of the horrors of child abuse. It makes us feel good to talk about what we would have done or to stand up for a child on radio or at work. Let's put our money where our mouth is. Volunteer at a shelter, work with those who make the laws, become a foster parent, find a way to advocate for a child, or stop being so selfish and love your child as much as you possibly can. Talk is cheap.

4. Grace is radical
           I want to make it clear that I detest the actions of those involved. Sandusky didn't kill anybody, but he did take their lives away. I pray that they might find wholeness again. However, I keep thinking about something. Let's say justice is served. Whether we agree on what sins deserve death there are a lot of people wishing he would die. Let''s say he gets the chair, but somebody else steps up and says I'll take the chair for him and he can go free. Horrible, offensive, radical, how can that be? That's what Jesus did for us. We had the sentence of death because of our sins and he took the death for us. It would tick off a lot of people if somebody took Sandusky's place, set him free and offered him eternal life. Jesus took Barabbas's place and Barabbas went free. He did it for me, too. If Sandusky would repent of his sins and follow Jesus, it would be the case for him as well. That kind of grace makes me uncomfortable. That kind of grace saved me.