Wednesday, June 4, 2008

The Thin Line


I LOVE a good mystery! Do you? Well, fairly recently my Honey found a show that has been around a while, but it's new to us. It's called The First 48 (I believe). Now it's not for everyone. But we're not strangers to murder because of my previous and his current career. The First 48's premise is that the chances of solving a murder are cut in half, if a strong lead is not developed within the First 48. So everything we watch is the actual filmed as it happens, the First 48 hours after a murder. The locations are any one of several major cities in the U.S. (Miami, Cincinnati, Houston, Memphis). It's well done, as there is not the over-the-top sensationalism that usually taints most reality shows. It's discreet, respectful, and does not show things we do not need to see. That said, it has been a real lesson in human nature to me.

I have seen quite a few murders solved now. I am many times grieved by the senseless loss of life, the brutality that we can treat one another with. What grieves me even more, is this. How many, many times people who really didn't think they wanted to kill someone, make bad choice, after bad choice, which ultimately leads to the trap of committing murder. It's absolutely, heart-rendingly tragic to see happen over and over again. So not only one family is struck with the loss of a loved one, but yet another family loses the loved one to the judicial system for most likely the rest of that persons life.

Not only does the trap of committing murder seem to sneak up on some of these people, here is something else that I have taken note of. Several times I have seen that the person who actually did the shooting (this will sound strange and you may not agree, that's OK.) didn't seem as what I only know to call as "evil", as the person who was with them and who sort of - "put them up to it". It is really infuriating to me to see people who know how to manipulate others for their own purposes. It is a reminder to me that God sees our hearts. Our motives matter so much! The only thing that encourages me about the show is those people are charged equally with the one who actually pulls the trigger. Thank goodness! I am always curious what their reaction is when they find out that their contrivances to not get blood on their hands was not enough to keep them out of the pokey!

Episode after episode it is clear that the Book of Proverbs does not exaggerate. That book overflows with warning after warning and instruction after instruction. Warnings against get rich quick schemes, running with a bad crowd, adultery, laziness, gluttony, drunkeness, failing to discipline and train your children, etc. Instructions to heed wisdom, be diligent, keep track of your properties, honor the boundaries of your fathers, faithfullness, chartiy, good stewardship, etc. These episodes are like graphic. real life illustrations of what happens when you fail to heed these life giving principals.

I am struck by the thin line
that separates us all every day from unexpected and senseless death. I am struck by the thin line that separates each of us from the sinful behaviour that robs us and those around us of life. It makes me achingly grateful for the delicate state of life we have. It also makes me moved with compassion for those who are living in a fog of misconception, and wrong mind sets. It concerns me and moves me to not be complacent about the life we have being enough to care about. It's simply not enough to think that if we live and do right all will be Ok. We as people filled with Christ, MUST care, must pray, must train and teach, even if it seems to only be by our life style, (He will give us unexpected opportunities to, by our actions and relationships be able to make a great difference). Somehow, we must each of us do the part God has given us to to help people be firmly rooted and grounded on good solid ground. On a foundation that does not fail. On Christ.

Ok, I know, this was not cheery! Sorry! But, my next post will be! God bless you all!

7 comments:

Cecily R said...

If the world had more examples like you, I have no doubt it would be such a better place.

luvmy4sons said...

Weep with those who weep...we can't always be cheery. It is important to stop and remember that we are all sinners saved by grace. I always remember the Words of Jesus who told His apostles that those who say "Raca" are guilty of murder-which is just saying angrilly You fool!-I believe. We all have murder in our hearts. Ouch. I know some would rail agianst that statement. It is a good message to make us stop and realize that there but for the grace of God...So good to have you back around in bloggy land. Loved the picture! Missed you.

Denise said...

I have missed you, and all the wonderful things you share my friend.

Tiffany said...

I've missed you too. Is everything alright? Drop me an e-mail, if you have a chance!- Blessings!

Sharon Brumfield said...

When I was young one of my fears was that I would somehow be convicted of a horrible crime that I did not commit and that I would not be able to prove I was innocent.
This world is a mess and you are right there is a thin line that separates us form it. I am sure King David never thought he would cross the line. But with each choice we make we decide what side of the line we want to stand on.
I am glad that He sees my heart...that with the help of the Spirit He can help me stay in the safety of His will.

Renee said...

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your posts and your insights! I fully believe that "there by the Grace of God go I". Take care.

She Rose Up said...

Cec - sweet! I don't know about that, but, I love you for thinking so! I'm thinking we definitely need some people with purple toes and dinosauer sisters! And definitely more parents that let them dance! Whatchya' think?

Leslie - funny you quote that, I refered to that in our Princesses of Power class last night. I am enjoying those girls so much. Once a month for a just a short bit is just not enough! But, we do what we can! Missed you all too! Thank you for the welcome back!

Denise - Thanks very much! Its fun to be back! Still doing some studying.

Tiff - Yes, Ma'am! "It is Well With My Soul", to quote a great old hymn! Thanks!

Sharon - you are so right. I think of David often as to that. I have a message about that as a matter of fact, something I came across last year... I may post on it soon.

Renee' - You are so kind to say that. I enjoy yours every bit as much I am sure! Yes, but for His grace, surely. I try to think of that more and more as I get older. It helps to consider life fromt hat perspective.

Hope you all have a great weekend!

xoxo,
Maria

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What Does it Mean Anyway? "Free to Fly"...

Well, it's like this: Here are some of the Webster's Dictionary definitions of Free: a : having the legal and political rights of a citizen b : enjoying civil and political liberty c : enjoying political independence or freedom from outside domination d : enjoying personal freedom : not subject to the control or domination of another2 a : not determined by anything beyond its own nature or being : choosing or capable of choosing for itself...having a scope not restricted by qualification 7 a : not obstructed, restricted, or impeded ...Now, here are some of the Webster's Dictionary definitions of Fly:1 a : to move in or pass through the air with wings b : to move through the air or before the wind or through outer space c : to float, wave, or soar in the air ... a : to take flight ...6 : to work successfully ...Examples which apply from Websters: fly high : to be elated - fly in the face of or fly in the teeth of : to stand or act forthrightly or brazenly in defiance or contradiction of

What does this mean in my life? This means that in life we are meant to be free. While historically mankind has not always enjoyed the opportunity to fully appreciate what that means, we are so indescribably fortunate as to live in a time of the greatest spiritual, physical, financial and political freedom ever known. Freedom doesn't come cheap, nor does it come easy. But the best things in life don't come that way do they? As I write this I am struck by how this sounds like a political statement, and for me this is much more of a spiritual thing, but, same goes for that (political that is). Freedom doesn't come easy. And it's worth whatever fight you have to make to overcome in your life in order to live a life that succeeds. Now the questions is - what is success for you? What is your standard? In my mind what is needed is a definite target - because you can't hit and maintain a moving target. A stable, rock-solid, anchor with no variable, yet multi-faceted. Something pure, just and worthy. If you look at any web page of news you can see that our society is certainly lacking in this area. What a great time to live as a rebel! Nowadays to be a rebel, all you have to do is be willing to engage in the battle of life, while anchored to Christ!