When news of this case first broke, I purposefully tuned it out. For some reason, though, I have read every local newspaper article on the case in court. And every time I read an article I felt brokenhearted over the senseless death of this little boy, outraged by the behaviors of his mother, and angered by the ramifications of meth use. I keep looking for a way to temper my frustration, but find none. Christian’s death was horrendous, sad and despicable — and I’m not certain his life was any better considering the scrupulousness of his caretakers.
I want to rant and rave. I wonder what is wrong with these people and how a mother could trap her toddler in a room alone for two days. I want to lock her in a room without food, left in her own excrement, kept away from all human touch and see how she benefits from such treatment. I want to burn up all the meth labs in Lincoln, Nebraska, and create some sort of magic pill to cure all those already addicted.
I want to have compassion. I want to heal Brandy Blair from the tremendous pain she must be experiencing. I want to give her some guidance, share a meal, show some love for this mama, only 23 years old. I want to bring Christian back and give him a life full of mudpies and cuddles, laughter and popsicles.
I am not in a position to carry out justice in this case. And I am not in a position to heal, redeem or raise the dead. There is righteous anger — and only God can demonstrate it absolutely fairly. There is a Redeemer, too. One who can give purpose, joy, restoration to a convicted killer. And you know what He can do as well? Raise the dead to new life. I find great comfort in trusting a God who can perfectly deal justice while perfectly redeeming the humble. Thank you, Jesus Christ.
Still, I weep for Christian.
2 Comments
Anne Jan 27, 2005 11:04 PM
It is one of the most heartbreaking things that I’ve heard about recently.
The accompanist I’m working with at Norris was called for jury duty on this case. During the jury selection, they were eliminating potential jurors, and at one point, the lawyers asked, “Does anyone know of a reason they could not be an impartial judge of this case’s outcome?” She raised her hand, and when called on said, “I’m not impartial. She’s guilty. I can’t look at this without impartiality. I don’t see how she could not be guilty.” She was, of course, dismissed after saying this.
Anyway… I feel like anything I say is going to sound trite next to your post, so I’ll just say that I agree with you, Rebecca. Again, what a heartbreaking case.
Jacinda Jan 28, 2005 11:37 AM
Meth is AWFUL. My father and stepmother are both in prison because of it. I have two sisters and one brother being raised by their ailing grandmother instead of their parents because of it. It’s an evil drug. It makes you feel like you can do everything all at once. Then, it kills off part of your brain, and your life along with it. Praise God, my siblings are alive. And healthy, and loved. Christian is not. Was not. How sad.