The Gallows were Already Erected

I try not to be too controversial on this blog, because that is not the purpose of this blog. However, I can't restrain myself on this one: Muslims have the gallows already erected for Christians, and especially American Christians. What makes me say this? Well, the recent controversy over the korans that were burned, ensuing riots and then the killing of two of our own soldiers. The riots happened rather quickly and without much effort because they are ready in a flash to pounce on any tiny thing we do. We are in a no win situation with Islam. We either abide by their rules, convert to Islam, or suffer the consequences. There is no middle ground for them.

These korans were being written on by some prisoners. They were writing about acts of future terrorism that they wanted to commit. The books were confiscated and burned, according to Islamic custom. But that is never good enough for them, because they are always waiting for a reason to riot. And kill. It doesn't take much, and they are outraged. They allow for no infractions whatsoever. Yet, we allow them to behead, burn and torture our people. Obama had the audacity to apologize for the book burnings, and do you think for one minute we will get an apology for two American deaths?

All of this to illustrate my main thought: the gallows were already erected and at the ready. It reminds me so much of the story of Mordechi and how he was going to be set up to take the fall for something he did not do. A selfish, jealous, evil Haman, wanted Mordechi gone so he could proceed with his plans to gain control. We all know how THIS story ends....

Which leads me to yet another thought, along these same lines: do we erect gallows on certain people in our own lives? Do we expect perfection from them, and the minute they fail, you summon the executioner? I have seen this happen many times in my life. I have seen where some people give grace to someone, and yet throw down the gauntlet on someone who did an even less offense. Or perhaps it wasn't an offense at all, but merely a perceived offense. I think we need to offer more grace to people, to strangers, and our inner circle. I have often told my sons that most people really try to do their best, and rarely do people possess mal-intent. We should remove our preconceptions from people, remove our expectations from people and allow more mercy and grace. Don't be so quick to don the black hood and put the noose around someone's neck, or as we learn from Mordechi, one day, that noose could be used on you.

Have a blessed day!