Eye on Faith: February 2018

Wednesday, February 28, 2018

After great loss, an unlikely win-win

Return of the Prodigal Son (by Rembrandt)

Just minutes before a gruesome date with destiny, Texas Governor Greg Abbott spared the life of a condemned inmate.

This highly unusual decision rested upon a solid bedrock of forgiveness. The forgiveness, incredibly, came more from the inmate’s victim than from the state.

In this unusual case, the only surviving victim is the inmate’s father. The prisoner, Thomas Whitaker, conspired to kill family members in order to receive a large inheritance. His mother and brother were murdered, but his father survived “a gunshot to the chest.”

Nevertheless, Kent Whitaker “passionately” opposed his son’s execution. Kent insisted “that he would be victimized again if the state put to death his last remaining immediate family member.”

Thomas claims to be grateful for his father’s sake only, explaining: I deserve any punishment for my crimes, but my Dad did nothing wrong. As for Kent, he eagerly awaits the day when he can hug his son again.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/texas-spares-death-row-inmates-life-minutes-before-execution/ar-BBJu4r0?li=BBnb7Kz&ocid=BHEA000

Church of England gets past Markle's divorce

Archbishop Justin Welby (Public Domain)

What’s past is past, and what’s royal is royal. It seems that the Church of England is taking the royal road to forgiveness regarding Meghan Markle’s divorce.

Its website explains: “In certain circumstances the Church of England accepts that a divorced person may marry again in church.”

Circumstances must seem right because plans for the royal wedding are full steam ahead.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby will be the happy couple’s officiant. He has already confirmed: It’s not a problem… the wedding is going to be wonderful.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/whats-hot/church-of-england-has-dealt-with-meghan-markles-divorce/ar-BBJCEBW?li=BBnbcA0&ocid=BHEA000

Robbie Williams: 'Between my ears'

Robbie Williams (photo by catzi)

Robbie Williams has battled mightily with a force that’s between his ears, and it’s almost killed him a number of times.

This force, which the world calls mental illness, causes Williams’ life to feel like a roller coaster. When on top, it’s blissful and helpful. When down below, it’s sabotaging and deadly.

The death of his close friend, George Michael, has made Williams more aware of how precious life is. He concludes: By the grace of God go I.

Resources

https://www.msn.com/en-us/music/celebrity/robbie-williams-has-disease-in-his-brain-that-will-kill-him/ar-BBJGoJe?li=BBnbfcL&ocid=BHEA000