WWJD

No matter what you believe about the death penalty, I find it hard to believe that it would be easy, or enjoyable to witness someone executed.  What brings this up? Today Ronnie Lee Gardner was put to death by firing squad in Utah.

Having just read an article by a salt lake tribune reporter who was an eye witness, I find tears in my eyes. Tears shed for this reporter, as I am sure the images he describes so vividly will remain with him for the rest of his life. Tears for the loss of another human's life. Though, one would beg the question, isn't society better off without someone like this? What quality of life did this man live, what did he contribute to the greater good? I know the horrible things he did. I get why he was killed. I wonder what made him choose the firing squad as his chosen method to leave this life?

This brings to mind a question in which I have no answer for, and since I believe there is perfect order in all things, I get to trust that universal order is at work here. For those who believe in God, and Jesus, and in their daily lives ask themselves, "what would Jesus do" I wonder... what would Jesus do in the same situation?  There are those who would say an eye for an eye (after all that is in the bible, right?) but what about turning the other cheek? Forgiving? and above all, judge not that ye be not judged? I am in no way a biblical scholar, but I don't recall any accounts of Jesus' life in which he said put that man to death, he's evil and deserves to die. The stories say he walked among the sinners. He taught a way that was full of light, and love. Would Jesus support the death penalty?

I don't know. I'm not even sure it truly matters. There is a system for justice, and there are laws in place in order to maintain a certain quality of life. I suppose if someone has filled their body with darkness, that in order to maintain this balance, something must be done. Maybe removal from the planet is the only option. I really can't say what I believe at this moment. A few years ago, I was a firm believer in the death penalty. As I grow older, I find myself wondering, is it for me to judge or for me to decide? I'd rather not.

What's the point to this rant? There really isn't one. I am grateful that it was not my decision to commit the crimes that Gardner did. I am grateful that it was not my decision to prosecute Gardner in the way he was. I am grateful I did not have to decide how this man would die. I am grateful there was someone else to decide to pull the trigger. I am very grateful I was not there to witness his last words and breathe.

With that, I'll let this go.

Peace be with you,
xoxoxo