faith unfaded

I’ve learned not to join witch hunts when the crowd gets riled up. I’ve been on the receiving end of persecution without consideration. I do my research and spend some time in prayer before deciding to support, speak out against, or remain neutral on situations or issues.

To quote my dad, quite often I have “no dog in the hunt” and leave it alone.

But there are times when something hits my spirit so strong, it is like a fire shut up in my bones which I cannot contain. (Jeremiah 20:9) I must be a mouthpiece for the Lord. (Jeremiah 15:19-21) His truth shall be spoken. (Luke 12:2-3)

A disturbing video has made its rounds on social media this week, an impregnated young woman forced to stand in front of the congregation and apologize for her sins. The pastor then announced there would be no baby shower, no celebration of this life, before posting the video on the church’s website for the world to see.

Pastor Terry W. Jackson of True Vine Apostolic Church of Christ in Hampton, Virginia was met with immediate backlash for this decision. People flooded the internet with offers to help the young woman and condemnation for what seemed like contradictory beliefs- pro-life but anti-baby.

I tried to give him the benefit of doubt. We cannot coddle sin. Repentance is the way to salvation. Babying the sinner and pointing fingers at other’s sins is a gilded path to hell.

But he seemed to forget about the cross.

There is forgiveness and it doesn’t require contrition before the congregation. Nor is it a Nathaniel Hawthorne tale in which she should be branded with a scarlet letter.

The scarlet comes from the blood of Jesus, who died so that our sins might be forgiven.

The sins of this mother are between her and the Lord alone. This baby is a gift from the Lord. All children are. (Psalm 127:3)

I, along with many others in this country, pray for this young mother and her baby today. I pray that she sees the face of Christ in this- and not the religious debate it has stirred up. I pray that she finds the support she needs, both practically and spiritually. And I pray that the pastor remembers John 8:7. For we are all imperfect and not one of us is qualified to cast stones.