Then there are people who we say we'd give a second chance to, and that makes us feel good.
But what if they do something that seems unforgivable--completely unthinkable?
What then?
Forgiving and giving a second chance seems completely unfathomable, and justifiable.
I have raised up my hand in partnership with People of a Second Chance, and they've invited me to join them in their Never Beyond Posters Series. Here's what they wrote:
We all have people we would and wouldn't give a second chance--lines drawn and beliefs
formed about who we could forgive.
Right?
POTSC is launching the NEVER BEYOND Poster Series: 25 posters representing well
known historical, current and fictional characters who are believed to have harmed society.
This campaign consists of digital and print posters and the full collection will eventually be
displayed as a touring art exhibit.
The campaign draws out themes of forgiveness, grace and what a pathway to a second
chance looks like.
So...here's our first one:
Casey Anthony.
She's free now. The jury found her not guilty.
- If you bumped into her while you were on your family vacation, what would you do?
- If your daughter came home and said that her friend's cousin was Casey's daughter, what would you say?
- What if your son asked who Casey Anthony is, and why people think she should die, what would you say?
- What if she walked into your church, would you treat her as not guilty?
Would you give her a second chance?
Why or why not?
This is a place of Grace, and your honest heart is welcome here.
Join the A {Grace} full *life* facebook community.
If I had been asked these questions right after the verdict, I am ashamed to say that my answers would not have reflected the heart of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteNow, though, with time to reflect on who "deserves" a second chance and who doesn't...I hope that I would show her as much grace as I have been shown myself.
Thank you for your post!
I love your last question, what if she walked into your church? It makes me wonder about my church. Do we as a church body need a refresher course on true forgiveness also??
ReplyDeleteI agree Cassi, what if Casey, or anyone with a known past that I did not agree with walked into my church? Would I show them grace? What if God only showed me the grace I showed them? What if that person knew my past? Would they show me grace? By the way, those questions aren't really for you....they are actually for me. :)
ReplyDeleteIt took me falling on my face before I realized how much I needed grace. However, because I was shown love and forgiven, I can give others a second chance, but I still have a lot to learn.
Honestly, I think I would be uncomfortable meeting Casey Anthony. Not because I do or do not believe she is guilty. But the thought of her walking up to me, with me knowing so much about her life and her knowing nothing of mine, would just bring an uncomfortable imbalance. Even so, God never promised me perfect balance, so I would try to make her feel welcome. We'd just have to take it from there, I guess.
ReplyDeleteThis will surely test your faith! I'm sitting here thinking; I'm really not sure if I want to comment on this. I'm more than a little afraid of the reaction that I will get. I remember seeing and hearing the hate on television; and the blogging of threats on most social networking sites. I remember being afraid and wondering what this world was coming too. How would my family, my friends, my church react if she showed up in our town? What would I do if she knock on my door? What would my friends think if I let her in? I would have to walk with Jesus and show her grace.
ReplyDeleteHmmm.Provocative, for sure. This will stir up quite a lot for people. I've been aware of the case, but haven't been very attached emotionally to the whole thing one way or another. I think it's hard for people to give a second chance to someone who appears to have a hardened, cruel heart. But really, no one truly knows her heart, so perhaps we use her image to project our own fears and anxieties, and that makes us feel more secure.
ReplyDelete