The verdict is in. People are in shock. Casey Anthony innocent?
For nearly three years, we've heard what a monster Casey Anthony is. And maybe it's true. I don't know her heart, only God does. In recent weeks, during the trial, the news media pounced. They crucified Casey Anthony, reminding me of sharks in bloodied water.
The United States has a judicial system that was created to avoid things like lynch mobs. It's imperfect, but it works well most of the time. I agree that Casey Anthony's behavior was bizarre, suspicious and immoral, but that does not mean she murdered her daughter.
There is a standard in this country that says a person is presumed innocent until proven guilty. I'm embarrassed and ashamed of the conduct shown by our press and the "experts" and, yes, some of us. We needed to hear all of the testimony before a decision could be made. And sadly, so much of what we heard through radio and television was inaccurate. We were not on that jury, and we do not have the right to decide Casey Anthony's guilt or innocence.
How many of us made up our minds, pointed fingers, ridiculed the attorneys and determined guilt or innocence through the distorted lens of the media? What should we have done? Perhaps we should have prayed for the family, including Casey Anthony. After all, as vile as she may seem, God loves her. Did we pray for truth and justice? Did we pray . . . at all?
The morning the verdict was announced I read a devotional given from the viewpoint of God. He said, "I love to make your life a glorious adventure." The words pierced my heart. I am blessed. He has made my life a glorious adventure, even with the many troubles and heartaches I've endured. But the Anthony family, no matter what the verdict, have most likely lost their opportunity for such a life. Their lives are a waste land. They lost a beautiful child, their integrity, their faith in one another. They threw accusations at each, were mired in lies and their lives torn to shreds. And a sweet little girl lost her life.
God wanted better for them. We should want better for them.
Consider carefully the choices you make. And choose -- Love. Joy. Peace. Grace. Pray for others. Do not squander your lives. May it be a glorious adventure.
Grace and peace to you from God.
Bonnie
I agree with what you've posted here. No one really knows what happened except the perpetrator and God. And, although justice might never be done HERE on earth, God's justice will prevail.
ReplyDeleteI really loved you put it here. I agree with you. My dad and I were talking about this...and people forget our rule of law is based on innocent until proven guilty. People tried her in the court of public opinion without having all the facts. What about my fellow Christians on Facebook..I've noticed are quick to point fingers, and have pointed fingers, instead of praying for that entire family, because if they ever needed a Savior, the time is NOW :) :) Thanks for your post today, Bonnie :) :) Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, April. Thank you for weighing in.
ReplyDeleteGrace and peace to you.
Bless you, Heather. How good to hear from another believer who is thinking this through and who has come to a place of reason and grace.
ReplyDeleteWe are all in need of a Savior. I praise God for His wonderful gift and for Christ who sacrificed so much.
I am so grateful for all who are praying for this family. May the Lord lift them from the pit of despair and set them upon solid ground.
Heather pointed my way to this post and I'm so glad she did. Beautifully written and oh, so true.
ReplyDeleteMountain Woman, thank you for stopping by and for sharing your thoughts. I am encouraged.
ReplyDeletePraise to The Father.
Peace and love to you.
Yes, you're right. We're going to disagree on this one (While still remaining good friends, I assume.:o) I believe that since the trial was made public and shown on television, I am as capable of making a decision on Casey's guilt or innocence and I strongly believe she is guilty of at least one of the first three counts. I understand that the jury's hands may be tied by the way our laws are written and understood by them, but I think the Founding Fathers would turn over in their graves at this one. HOWEVER I don't hold it against the jurors and I was joking on my Facebook. Good job getting me here. Now we'll see if I can read the distorted letters and submit this. My visual problems make that difficult for me these days.
ReplyDeleteJeannie, thank you for weighing in. And friendship is built to withstand disagreements.
ReplyDeleteI'm not at all convinced Casey Anthony is innocent. In fact, from all I've seen she may well be guilty. What prompted my blog was the mob mentality I witnessed and a decision of guilty months before a trial even began. Too many seemed to take glee in slam dunking another human being. I envision Christ standing before Casey -- He is just, but not cruel.
God is the ultimate judge. He knows everything and if Casey Anthony is guilty of this heinous crime, she will be held accountable. But I don't want eternal damnation for anyone.
I've never murdered someone, but I have an endless list of sins, some that have devastated the lives of others. All those sins were piled upon my Savior. And it is only because of His sacrifice and his shed blood that I have been found innocent. Because of Him I look forward to a heavenly eternity. And I long the same for all of mankind . . . even Casey Anthony. And so I will pray for her and for her family. When we believe we are a new creation.
Jeannie,I really don't believe in ploys, but thought I'd try to snag ya cause you're special. : - )
ReplyDeleteLove ya.