Casting stones

Today Tiger Woods read a statement for the public. As I heard it, the press wasn't permitted. And it seems like everyone in the media had to get in on the act of criticizing the man for NOT answering questions they think are pertinent to our society. I couldn't believe it was THE top story of the day for CBS Evening News.

I heard a remark about him failing as a role model for young people. And that caused me to remember a story from the Bible.

A woman was dragged from an adulterous encounter. The man she was encountering was not brought for punishment. Someone named Jesus was there as the crowd gathered to stone the woman for committing an act of adultery. Jesus spoke to the crowd, The one who was without sin should cast the first stone. He knelt down and drew in the dirt for a time. When he stood up again he asked where were her accusers. They all had dropped their stones and walked away because they all were guilty of sin.

Is sin measured in degrees? Is one kind of sin more sinful than another? Or does all sin fall short of the glory of God?

The man apologized for his failures. It's not uncommon for those who rise to fame rapidly aren't prepared for the notoriety, the money, the position, and get into trouble. But to come out before the world and say, "I cheated, I know I disappointed a lot of people, but I am committed to getting the help I need, to do the work I have ahead of me, to try to become a better man," well, maybe that's not such a role model after all. What more does the media want from him?

What more could anyone really ask of him? He's telling people everywhere, "You may fall short and make terrible mistakes, but you can change your life for the better." That's a pretty strong lesson in this day and age when so many people--all ages--feel like failures and need to hear someone tell them that their failures can be turned into victories.

Does it matter what is between that husband and wife? Entertainment Tonight probably will beat it to death as they usually do, every day for as long as they can. Which is why I don't waste electricity on that show. Some matters are personal and private and not public domain. Do we really need the gorey details? If it was our life, our family, would we want all the details poured out publicly? Seems to me there's a fine line here between privacy and the peoples' right to know.

Personally, leave the Woods family alone to work out their issues. The one who has not sinned should throw the first stone.


(c) 2010 Cathy Thomas Brownfield