I have been reading blog post after blog post, and comment after comment about this whole scandal with Bishop Eddie L. Long and the young men that are filing lawsuits about sexual encounters with him when they were teenagers. I am appalled at what's being put out there, honestly. And I also believe that each person is well within right to clear their good name and/or protect themselves or others that are going through sexual abuse or molestation just like the next person, because sexual immorality is exactly that: IMMORAL. I have always read and believed that the purpose of sex was to be "fruitful and multiply to replenish the earth" (Genesis 9:7). But when does sex in any form other than what it is intended for have been right and justifiable for anyone (with power or absolutely none at all)?
Now, I won't even begin to take any sides since this is too touchy subject of right vs. wrong, the world vs. the church, and ain't no telling what other 'versus' issues that come into play. What I will ask is this: since there are so many people that are busy throwing themselves on either side of the fence, but what if these young men were making big accusations with an ulterior motive in mind? What if Bishop Long did have sexual encounters with these young men? Who's lives would be affected by this, other than the Bishop, the young men, their parents, the Bishop's wife and kids or others closely involved with both parties?
A lot of people were expecting to have the Bishop say in his morning service today that he didn't commit these acts against these young men, but it didn't happen. What alot of people don't seem to realize is when there is something being battled out in the court of law, you don't get to running your mouth to incriminate yourself. In the words of my grandma: "Don't shoot yourself in the foot". So when people are expecting you to just come right out and say one thing, but you were really doing something else, it has a way of catching up with you. And then there's the side that when the smoke clears and dust settles, and the truth finally comes out, it can still leave an nasty remnant of bad vibes lingering around for years to come.
What it all simply boils down to is this: when abuse of a sexual nature (or any kind of horrible nature) comes to the forefront, a lot of things are at stake with both parties involved. In some cases a victim will be vindicated. In other cases, a villain walks when justice swings his way (be it good or bad). All I know is everyone should wait to see how this foolish drama pans out, then and only then can anyone start forming their own opinion about the young men or about the Bishop. But I must say that people better be careful of what's being said or done, because just as its said in Proverbs 18:21: "Death and life are in the power of the tongue..."
I'm not trying to get super-religious on y'all, because it's Sunday. I'm just saying that since this thing does have legal and spiritual ramifications, it's best for public opinion to leave well enough alone. And if what is being said is true, I pray that Bishop Long does get himself right with God and repent for what has been done.
Until Next Post,
Peace & Blessings,
Untouched Jewel
No comments:
Post a Comment