Dont throw the baby out with the bathwater comes to mind.  We all have fallen but its at times like this that I have to remember that just as my behaviors do not define who I am, neither do Joe Paterno’s behaviors define who he was. As an adult of childhood abuse, I know the pain of a knowing adult turning a blind eye to the abuse.  I think we put God in a box when we fall into the belief system that our transgressions cross out anything good and decent in our lives…there has to be balance, there has to be forgiveness, there has to be radical grace.

I believe that God mercifully forgives and that we are all broken. But I also believe that doesn’t mean there shouldn’t be reprecussions for what we do. He should have lost his job for looking the other way and allowing that kind of horrible abuse to go on. The fact that football was more important than those children’s lives is appalling. Hopefully the redemptive part will be him coming to that conclusion too and doing everything he can to communicate the wrongness of that decsion. All the people his life has touched so far could benefit from seeing him own his mistake and do the right thing and rebuild his life.

It’s a reminder that we always need to “finish well” in life. This situation will play out in time and Joe Paterno will be most remembered for the good he has done. His worst flaw expressed here was defending those closest to him rather than the “least of these”. That is a flaw for which we must all examine ourselves.

Hardest one to write yet. For personal reasons that many already know. My post will go live Friday. There’s some incredible discussion going on and I truly believe that we are right in “striking while the iron’s hot” and attacking this story while it is fresh and relevant. This is where the “rubber meets the road” for grace givers.

I am STILL so proud to be POTSC.

I agree and pray that he will use his (somewhat tainted) platform for redemptive purposes. God is GREAT BIG.

I can’t imagine that at the core, anyone can honestly say, “I’ve never regretted a thing.” Not defending the abuser, however, inappropriate sexual activity is pretty powerful and causes people to do really regrettable things (Cheat. Porn. Abort. Prostitute. And yes molest.) all ultimately destroying days in a life. Sin is dark and black and sticky. That’s why we all need God and a Savior to restore our damaged selves.

What you said is so humbling. I agree that Joe Paterno’s perspective was probably to protect his staff and others closest to him. And yet, he didn’t choose perfectly. I can’t imagine the shame he must feel for doing what he likely thought was best. 

YES–this doesn’t define who he is!!! 

I am struck by a few things–the first is how Joe Paterno is now labeled as the evil one. He is put in the same category as a molester and he seems to have thought he did the right thing. How do you think he’s feeling walking around town? Such a big name now has such a big label. He’s a man who thought he did his best. I don’t know the full story, and neither do any of us–and so there’s grace for the unknown pieces, too. Letting it be, and letting God be the judge–that’s our role. 

Evil and abuse come in many forms.  Child abuse is the worst. My heart goes out to the victims.  I spent eighteen years as an abused spouse, so I can relate to their pain.  The story of how God led me out of abuse into the joy of an abundant life is a riveting read. I want all victims to know that there is healing and hope in God. A relationship with the creator of the universe is the way to peace. Julia Chadwell, author of LIttle Texas Sweetheart.