When leaders fall: My Two Cents on Governor Sanford

Okay, I have to admit it; I am very disappointed today. I realize that many people have thought many different things about Gov. Sanford and his stances and policies over the years. Many have been crying out against him as he said 'no' to $770 million in government stimulus money.

Whatever your opinion regarding his policies, he is the governor of South Carolina. He stands as the chief executive of our state and has chosen a place of service under the highest of scrutiny. When anyone chooses the public life, their decisions impact not only their family, but the people they govern.

Today's news of his 5 day disappearance to have an affair with a woman from Argentina has hurt our state. It breaks confidence in our government; it undermines current and future leadership. Even worse, it sets a horrible example for other men in leadership throughout the state. It has destroyed any chance he had to run for President of the United States.

I can't help but think of another leader. He was a man in his prime who was known for standing on his convictions. He lead his people through some rocky times -- hard transitions in shifting political leadership. People admired him, fought for him, and died for him. King David had a promising future; he was a "man after God's own heart."

And yet, in a series of selfish decisions, he had an affair with a married woman (okay, it was much worse; he had her husband killed after he slept with her so that he could marry her). What was the end result? No sin is hidden from God -- David was confronted with his sin; and the cost was terrible. The ripple of that impact touched the leaders of Israel as each one following David were less obedient than the one before. David's sin impacted the whole people for years to come.

Through all this, David came to recognize his need to fully rely on God. We find that his beautiful prayer in Psalm 51 comes as a response to being confronted by his sin. God was still able to do great things through David; however, the consequences of his actions continue to live in Scripture today.

None of us may have nearly the public eye as Gov. Sanford. We may never draw national attention for what we do (or fail to do). But, each of us has an audience -- a world in which we serve as a leader for others. They watch us, trust us, rely upon us, and look up to us. When we fall, their trust is betrayed, and great is the hurt and pain that follows.

If we are on the wrong course, headed down the path of a series of bad choices, it is time to stop. Read through Psalm 51 -- not as a lesson for learning, but as a prayer to God. God can change our hearts, and redeem our lives.

Let us pray for our leaders and their hearts, that no more may have to fall...

Grace and Peace to you all.

Just for fun

It has been such a serious couple of months that I thought some levity was in order.
Here is a list of "Famous Last Words." Enjoy...

Famous Last Words:
1. What does this button do?
2. It’s probably just a rash.
3. Are you sure the power is off?
4. The odds of that happening have to be a million to one!
5. Hey y'all! Watch this!
6. Which wire was I supposed to cut?
7. I wonder where the mother bear is.
8. I’ve seen this done on TV.
9. I’ll hold it and you light the fuse.
10. This doesn’t taste right.
11. Nice doggie.
12. I can do that with my eyes closed.