Wednesday, September 03, 2008

A Time for Mercy

I felt uncomfortable listening to callers and commentators on National Public Radio yesterday morning. The day before, the entire world learned that vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin's unmarried 17-year old daughter, Bristol, was carrying a child due to be born in about 4 months.

Bristol had sinned. She had violated God's standards of sexual morality.

Critics were quick to condemn her and her mother, but for some reason the baby's father was ignored.

However, Bristol had admitted to her sin. She had resisted any temptation to cover it up by aborting her child. She was planning to marry the father of her child. She was not lying about her sin. She was not promoting her sin as something others should do.

I could not join in the chorus of condemnation. I could not remove the account of the woman caught in adultery in John 8 from my mind. I could hear Jesus' words in my mind, "If any of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her." I could hear him tell Bristol, "Neither do I condemn you. Go now and leave your life of sin."

An honest and responsible young woman who has failed morally does not need the condemnation of the world. If she were dishonest and irresponsible about her failure, she would need to be confronted for her own good, but that was not the case. She has admitted her failure and has been seeking to make the best of a difficult situation in dealing with the consequences.

Bristol Palin and girls like her around the world need mercy. Those without supportive families need others to help them through their difficult times. They need forgiveness and guidance. Some will need a home in which to stay. Some will need families who will adopt their children. They will need encouragement in continuing to pursue honesty before God and responsibility toward others.

I don't want to be among the people eager to throw stones at such girls. I would rather show mercy and help them.

9 comments:

Christy said...

I agree. I hurt for this young girl who is being judged by the world and I'm sure "Christians" alike. I consider her to be brave due to the fact that she is keeping her baby and taking responsibility for her actions. I do wonder, as you pointed out, why the father hasn't been scrutinized. I hadn't really noticed that before you mentioned. it. Can you imagine going through this with practically all world watching? I can't.

preacherman said...

Terry.
Wonderful thoughts.
Thank you for sharing this with us.
God bless you brother and hope you have a great week.

Terry Laudett said...

Christy,
I can't imagine it, either.

Kinney,
Thanks for the encouragement.

I appreciate both of you for your comments.

jackie chesnutt said...

Great thoughts from a great heart. Thanks, Terry. I love you.

Terry Laudett said...

Thanks, Jackie!

Anonymous said...

I find the whole subject interesting. The liberals who claim to be most accepting of these issues have been the most critical. Odd indeed.

The Palin family is like so many in America who encounter these situations. I think the family is handling it with grace.

One thing we can all agree on is that no life is an accident. GOD has a purpose for this child.

Terry Laudett said...

Mike,
Good comments.

Royce Ogle said...

I think that lying beneath the militant dislike of Sarah Palin by liberals is two things. The first is fear. In only a few days her approval ratings have almost equaled Obama'a. But secondly, and I think most important, she is openly pro-life and has demonstrated that fact twice in a short time.

Most good people deal with the situation and others abort the problem. Abortion is quick, final, creates no child care problems, and is only an inconvenience.

Mark it down, no matter what the quality of your life is otherwise, no matter how amazing your accomplishments, if you are not in step with the abortionists you are dead meat to them.

You are correct, mercy is in order. I need to show some myself.

His peace,
Royce

Terry Laudett said...

Royce,
You're right about Governor Palin's pro-life convictions. I have heard that 80-90% of babies with Down syndrome are aborted. By protecting and caring for her baby boy, Governor Palin and her husband don't merely say they're pro-life; they are living their convictions. Some of us admire that quality in her; others disdain her. I'm one of the people who admire her for what she has done for her little boy.