Call me naive but I am genuinely surprised by the media coverage and subsequent response from the general public regarding the allegations surrounding Bishop Eddie Long. I wasn't even searching for the story but found myself unable to escape the details as it seems like EVERY news station, facebook friend, and twitter follower had something to report about the bishop. Allegations and scandals occur everyday so I was not surprised by the lawsuits. What has me dumbfounded is the angry mob of "judges" in the court of public opinion that have already convicted him and sentenced him to exile from their flawless society. I have no idea whether he is guilty or not but I'm a little saddened and fearful because I do have knowledge of someone who has been involved in things a lot worse than what the bishop has been accused of. I'll avoid the temptation to speak about this evil bastard in third person and confess that "he" is me! I'm guilty! I am scum and I really don't deserve to live.

I don't even know where to begin. Most people like to start with their molestation as a child and use that as a back drop to justify their life's choices. I'll mention my three years of childhood sexual abuse just to prepare you for my first confession. I have NEVER molested a child but as a preteen I thought about it a lot, which left me feeling just as guilty as if I had actually performed the act. Later in life, once I was a fully responsible grown man, I had a girlfriend that I was sexually, verbally, and physically abusive towards. I've stolen money, used illegal drugs, attempted murder by driving drunk, told countless lies, hurt people, and the list goes on...

But here's the punchline: Those are just a FEW of the horrific things I've done and, by far, not the WORST of my offenses! My BIGGEST fault is that, after all the crap I've done, I actually had the nerve to criticize others and rejoice when they were punished and publicly embarrassed for the same things no one knew I had done!

Today I'm grateful that God, who is perfect and actually has the right to judge my imperfections, decided to send a replacement to accept my punishment. Without HIS sacrifice I wouldn't be able to hold my head up or face the relentless ridicule from people who seem to be unaware that we all deserve to pay for the crap we've done. HE became scum so we could live free from guilt and shame. ANTicipate MERCY today family! We can overcome ANYTHING with the gift God has given us in Christ!