Our town has been at the center of a whirlwind. Almost every newscast–local and national–is leading their show with the latest news in the Penn State Sex Scandal. There was even a news crew at our church this weekend (story here). It was a little weird seeing my face on the NBC Nightly News. I wish that they had chosen to lift some of Dan’s statements for their story. He talked about the BAD NEWS–sin runs deep, and I am (we are) more messed up than we want to admit. But the GOOD NEWS is that God’s grace is greater and more ridiculously lavish than I could ever imagine. To hear the whole talk, click here.
Lots of people have written about this event and what it means for us as citizens of Happy Valley, and for us as followers of Jesus. Dan’s thoughts are exceptional, and he has 4 posts dealing with various pieces of it. Heather Holleman’s post from Saturday was so good that I read it at church Sunday morning. Tim Henderson shared his heart and thoughts with Cru in the days that followed the breaking of the story.
Bob Costas was on the tv tonight with Mr. Sandusky’s lawyer, and a phone interview with Mr. Sandusky himself. The lawyer believes in Sandusky’s innocence–not just the mitigation of his guilt–and Sandusky unequivocally stated that he is innocent of these charges, stating that nothing of the sexual nature ever happened between himself and any of the 8 alleged victims. If you missed it, you can watch it here.
Honestly, my head is swimming, and my heart hurts. I don’t know when this will be cleared up. I don’t know what will eventually come to light, or what Penn State and Happy Valley will be like in the next few months. At least 8 boys/young men are claiming to be victims of sexual abuse. Jerry Sandusky is being looked on as a monster. Joe Paterno’s legacy has been forever tarnished. Some prominent leaders at PSU have been fired or placed on administrative leave. The Second Mile is reeling in the wake of all this. Students are reporting that they are being rejected for internships and job interviews because of the scandal. It’s as though the world has been turned upside down.
But I believe in the power of God to redeem and restore, to heal and to help. More people have been turning up to pray than I’ve seen in 13 years of life here. People are open to talking about hope and healing. Someone posted this video, which is both a prayer and a statement. Greater things are still to be done here, because of God’s Scandalous Grace…
3 Comments
Spencer · November 15, 2011 at 11:07 am
Right on with your closing paragraph. This is opportunity for the Gospel to be made clear to the community. This is where healing begins. The shock and heartache reminds me of the state of campus just a decade ago after 9/11. Weird parallel, I know. You and the rest of those on the frontlines of this are in my prayers.
stacy · November 16, 2011 at 1:08 am
thanks Spence…
katie · December 2, 2011 at 9:46 pm
thank-you! It helps in the healing process.
I believe it is true! I BELIEVE in this city and the PEOPLE.