I would love to claim that I have been on a wonderful adventure and am back with evidence from the shiny red Kodak.
Unfortunately, I can't. It's simply not true, and truth is important to me.
I mean really, really, important to me.
You see, everyone has a peculiar peeve. Mine just happens to be lying.
To put it eloquently, I just don't suffer liars well.
To put it in Debbie Speak, lying makes my head explode.
OK... there's no literal matter splatter. I'm just using a little creative decoration to make a point. I'm OK with creative decoration. I like a good tale as much as the next person. That's not the kind of lying that I'm talking about.
I'm talking about the kind of lying that perverts justice, slanders others, or creates confusion. If there's one thing that I've noticed about liars, it's that they are masters of confusion. They throw so many lies in your direction that you can't see the forest for the trees. Can anyone relate?
And that's exactly the way they like it.
It's all about clouding the truth.
The ten dollar word for it is obfuscation.
They learned the technique from the Father of All Lies and the Author of Confusion. You know the guy, the one they call the Prince of Darkness...
And that's what has kept me away from blogland. I've been wandering around in the darkness and couldn't find my way back. Yes, folks, it's true. Your friendly neighborhood blogger has been swept away in that mass of swirling confusion called Hurricane Anthony.
I've started a dozen posts about it, but really... I would rather write about whatever is true, and noble, and right, and pure...
That's what I would rather do. Unfortunately, it's hard to read a happy post let alone write one, when your head keeps spontaneously combusting.
And so, I'm just going to let her rip and be done with it,
I hope I'll have a few friends left...
We've all heard the words reasonable doubt tossed about in the courtroom and by the talking heads. We've heard it used by lawyers and jurors wrapping themselves in the Constitution, much the same way that Casey Anthony wrapped her body in that American flag for the 4th of July party in 2008.
(While her daughter was wrapped in a laundry bag in the swamp...)
As if those words are actually in the Constitution.
Which they aren't.
Somewhere along the line, that little truth has been clouded.
And since it's open to opinion, I'll leave you to yours, and the jury to theirs, and I'll keep mine. All just opinions.
But there is one thing that I know to be true in this case.
It was full of lies.
Now, only two people were proven by evidence to be liars. One is Casey Anthony. She lied about ....well... everything. The other is her mother, whose proven perjury was designed to insert doubt about critical, concrete evidence that her daughter had premeditated the act.
Personally, I believe there were other liars as well. I can't prove it though. In fairness, I can't reasonably make the accusation just because the Lie Detector in my head keeps going beep beep beep.
I've fretted and stewed over this case. As I said, lying is my pet peeve. Finally, I did the only thing I was supposed to do to begin with. I asked God to teach me something from it.
Here's what it is:
Those who watched this trial got an excellent demonstration of exactly how Satan works. He works through lies and confusion. The minute you think you have a grip on a situation, he changes the story or tosses in a whole new angle. Whether the new angle is reasonable or not is unimportant. As long as it's tossed in there, it will cloud the truth and confuse you.
And then, he goes in for the kill.
He stands up and convinces us that if we can't see THE truth, we must by default believe HIS truth. Never mind that it was his own minions who deliberately obfuscated the matter to begin with. Never mind that his truth doesn't follow simple rules of logic.
If we can not see clearly in his fog of confusion, we must believe his version. Oh, how many times I've fallen for it!
And that's what I learned from my peek into the dark side.
That, and the fact that somewhere in Florida is a family who really needs Jesus.
Just like me.
Just like me.
*****
And that's IT for me. I'm finished with this case obsession
and stepping back into the sunshine.
I'll be visiting blogs and catching up this weekend.
49 comments:
Awh, Debbie, yes I did notice you were missing. Miss you right away and God taps me on the shoulder.
I don't like lying either but the truth of the matter, no pun intended, is that I was the worst liar of liars of all many paths and journeys ago. Christ saw me not back there but here and actually even further down the road and called me for who I truly was and not for how I was acting or behaving, thank GOD. There is hope for the worst of sinners, IF there is a worst. All have sinned and come short of His glory. Same to kill as it is to gossip, lie, commit adultery or even murmur. We humans have a tendency to categorize sin and there's no such thing.
So, from this expert liar and schemer, there is always hope for see, today, where I'm at now, in Christ's grace and ability, I cannot even lie about the time of the day and I claim no badges or merit, not even on effort. All grace. There is hope. Our part? Praying and loving and sharing our weaknesses.
Love you, chica!
Debbie, I was wondering where you were and thought that you might have gone away for a few days. I feel so strongly about "Hurricane Anthony" that I thought I was going to have to buy a new television, to replace the one I damaged by throwing my remote into it. Sick to my stomach. I cried when that verdict came out. All we can do is pray for that little baby Caylee. If she was too much to take care of, I know maybe several million women who would have welcomed her into their homes and hearts, me included. xo
Welcome back to the sunshine! It was a shame all the scheming that was going on. Her attorney, included. He played it all to do his "job," obviously a scewed moral compass. But I love how you tied it to each and every one of us at some point on this journey. Several bloggers have - and I am thankful the reminder, the reminder of the grace and mercy God has shown. Hope the Anthony's find Him too, hope that we can move forward with a new level of grace and mercy to offer others (as hard as that REALLY is). Ouch, I was pinched again . . .
I most definitely did notice your were absent! I missed you -- you are one of my very favorite, special bloggers. I was hoping you were taking your belated anniversary trip or a family vacation, not taking a walk on the dark side. I took my husband in this morning to a follow-up appointment for his surgery from last week. The appt. took almost an hour, and the whole time, I sat in the waiting room and watched this media circus surrounding "Hurricane Anthony", as you so appropriately dubbed it. Just watching Casey Anthony in all of her many poses and guises just makes me nauseous and angry. But then I think to myself, what can we expect? She obviously comes from such a fine, upstanding, loving family (NOT). This past Sunday at my parents' house, my Mom said she thinks they should put the whole family in prison just to make sure they get the guilty party. She might have a point there. I still believe Casey killed her daughter, but the whole family behaved pretty darn suspiciously.
I can't believe I just had such a rant on your comment space. Sorry!! I guess we all have really strong feelings about this case. I think we all understand your frustration, and we're glad to have you back. I'm glad you pointed out God's lesson to us in this whole thing; I think it's time for me to concentrate on that now. Have a good weekend!
Denise
Welcome back to the sonshine. I have missed you. Thanks for putting into words what I, and I think others, are feeling about this case. Satan loves to use whatever devices he can to twist this world around. All we can do is pray for this lost family. If God's grace was sufficient for me, it can be for them as well.
(So glad you got this off your chest. I know it was taking its toll on you.) Big hugs to you today!!
I am sooooooooo glad you are back. The Lord put you heavy on my heart and I lifted some prayer for you. Yes, I like you cannot stand the lies and confusion. This is when the prayers of the saints matter. It was so good to hear that you laid it at the Lord's feet and He gave you what you needed. And yes, stepping back and stepping into the sunshine is so vital. I would hate to be a judge or lawyer in these cases.
Blessings and ((HUGS))
-Mary
I missed you and noticed you missing too, but thought it might be more related to one of your previous posts. I am sorry to hear you've become so pulled under by this trial. I have not followed it because I have always felt like the whole family was lying. It is terrible that there is no justice for Caylee but in respect to the jurors how could they convict her of a crime without the evidence, then they would be lying too. I think the prosecutors did a sorry job on this! It is apalling they did not do more digging, investigating whatever they needed to do to get some solid evidence. However, I don't understand how the jury could not have at least convicted her on child abuse or child endangerment. 30 days of not knowing where your child is and not reporting it is extremely neglectful. Heck we have parents going to jail in SC for leaving their kids in the car while they run into the store. How can that be a clearer sign of neglect then not knowing or caring where your child is? What were they thinking on that one?
As for lying, I really hate that one too. It is why I've always had so much trouble trusting people. I don't even like insincere lies that are nothing but pure flattery because it's hard to know the truth about someone like that for me. I also couldn't agree with you more, we all really do need Jesus, and need to "trust" in his truths. He is our comfort in a world of lies and liars that keeps us in the light! Good post Debbie, you won't loose me! :))
Friend, of course I missed you - so very much.
This whole Casey Anthony thing feels like one of those things where it's like "don't even get me started." My husband asked me why this case captured everyone's attention so much. I think there's many reasons - a darling little girl, a good-looking mom, and convolutions aplenty. It had all the "entertainment" value that America seems to want to feast on lately. As for me, every time I look at Casey Anthony, all I see is evil. Evil that can have a pretty face, but also possess a very, very dark soul. And yes, the most disturbing thing of all is to see that evil win. To see truth lose out to lies. To see justice perverted by all parties involved. (Did you also just feel disgusted by her lawyer? His little smirks made me ill...)
I'll say two things about this - one sounds trite, but I'll say it anyway. God knows, and ultimate justice has to be placed in His hands. Having said that, of course I hope this family finds Him - but if they don't, they will have Someone to answer to in the next life. The second thing is this - I know for a fact that dear Caylee is in the arms of her loving Savior, and she is home and loved and cherished like she should have been in this life.
I'm not going to even give the Father of Lies any press in my comment. Just suffice it to say that HE makes my head and my heart explode.
I am struck by the TRUTH that even in a fog, the beacon of Light never moves - and it still shines in the darkness.
(P.S. Maybe Casey and OJ can be "pen pals" someday - literally...)
Yes, Deb, I missed you, And, I'm not surprised at the reason why - of course you would have a strong opinion on this. Yakked on very well, I might add. And all too true at that. I did not follow it other than the headlines and other people's conversation. I didn't want to get caught up in it all - it was obvious that the ugly meter was off the charts and - as you know - I try to live in this idealistic place of "good things and beauty". I'm over my "ugly" limit just walking through the mall! But, your conclusions are God's truth - may we all learn something from this. In the end - I gasp at the thought of the moment she and all in her camp will have to stand before the Lord and answer for this horror story. Dare I apply my scene writing skills? Lord, I am hushed in awe at the majesty of your justice winning the war - though this battle appears to be declaring otherwise. As a scriptwriter, I have a sneaking suspicion - this is not the final draft of the script. I smell a plot twist just around the corner.
Waiting to see the Lord's Will Out!
Joy!
Kathy
Perfectly written and I say a giant AMEN to everything! :-)
Vanessa
I have been thinking and wondering where you have been.
Now this is the thing that has saved me about the Caylee case. I am not the judge for Casey - GOd is. She will get what is coming to her - believe me.
What I think about is Caylee. Have you read the book - Heaven IS Real - it is about a little boy who died and went to Heaven and came back. GET THIS BOOK! It is awesome.
He talks about Heaven and knows things he was never taught.
And I know Caylee is up there and I am thrilled for her. It was an awful tragedy, a horrible injustice, but a great ending for her.
OJ too. Life is not fair. Hope this helps.
I am jumping right on your bandwagon. A huge AMEN to every word you wrote my friend. Point on!
Caylee is whole and perfect... everyone else has to answer for themselves... mother, mother and father, lawyers... all of them. Just like us. It has definitely struck a chord as we watched and waited, and I feel like you... let's get back into the sunshine! :)
I didn't watch or follow this case, can't comment on it. I can say that I worked with a guy that used this though...
"The ten dollar word for it is obfuscation."
It's transparent, I don't know why more folks don't see through it and put these people in their place.
Wow! Me with my head in the sand didn't even know about this case until night before last. My husband actually came and woke me up after the Barbara Walter's segment.
Satan is at work, and like the proverbial frog in a pot he gently turns up the heat in every area of life including (if not especially) in our Judicial system.
I'm with you. Rant on sister. Maybe you'll get more positive feedback if you do it wrapped in a flag. It seems to have worked for Casey. :{
Blessings, Debbie
Debbie, of course we noticed you were gone. This has been such a charged case that it is literally splitting households. I'm just glad it's over because the whole thing just has made me sick to my stomach. The bottom line is even if we never know the truth there is One who does and He is just. I pray the Anthony family gets to know him and the grace He affords us because they will have to give him account as we all will. Welcome back, though!
Debbie, I think you should have given the closing arguments, well said my friend. I think there are many many who have seen the same darkness in all of this.
I can't add anything more to what you and your blogging friends have said.
But I am looking forward to more sunshine!
Ohhhh, man. Kudos for a well-written post on a horrific subject.
I really, REALLY tried to stay away from this case from the beginning, fearing this exact outcome from the onset. I hate it when my wrenching gut feelings prove right in instances like this. As I stood in the shower the night of the verdict announcement, I thought all sorts of horrible, hateful thoughts -
"I hope she rots in you-know-where." "She deserves to die in the exact same manner as her precious, innocent daughter." "If only *I* could get my hands on her..."
I was convicted, though. I believe in justice, and I don't believe it was served in this case. But our earthly view of justice is so very limited. To think about it from God's point of view for a split second, the reality is that I deserve the very same fate that an unrepentant, separated-from-God Casey Anthony does. The only difference is that I have received God's mercy. I have accepted his free gift.
More than anything, Casey Anthony needs our prayers. There is still time for her...but her fate is in her hands (or really, her heart) now.
Well since I have been off line, and even unplugged from TV for over a week I didn't know you were missing....I just got back on line yesterday. As for the case, well I was caught up in life.
Today I am focused on the family whose the firefighter husband fell at the Texas Rangers game while his small son watched...he died on the way to the hospital. Our prayers for the wife, the son and Josh Hamilton....so many things in this world aren't fair....we live in a fallen world, which needs a Savior.
I am glad I know the Savior....and that I can pray for all these unfair events in this world.
I have been gone for awhile too, but did read a bit about this case in the papers. Of course, I feel that justice was not done in this case and somehow the death of a little girl was not deemed important, but I also feel that she will not "get away with it." Yes, she won't serve much more time, but you can never really get away with doing something so heinous. I like you try to live on the truthful side -- life is just easier that way. Good post. I read it a couple of times to let your message sink in. Joni
Amen, my friend, amen!
Debbie, i hope this doesn't post twice. I had some kind of problem the first time I was commenting. I always admire your thinking and your writing, and this post is no exception. I definitely think that the devil was hard at work in the murder of this innocent child. I'm not sure that I think any of this has much to do with the constitution~ it has to do with oiur judicial system. I am thankfull that our laws require proof of guilt before someone is sentenced. I too am disgusted by the lying; the partying; and especially the failure to report her child missing. I do think that those actions lead us (me included) to believe that she is guilty. That is why I admire the fact that the jurors apparently decided that there had been no proof that she had murdered her daughter. In my disgust for her, I'm afraid that I would have had a lot of trouble doing that. I do pray for her and for her family, and I pray for each of those jurors. I truly believe that final justice will be just. I'm glad that my post encouraged you to post this and to come out into the sunshine. I hope you don't think that the devil influenced my post! I hope the law and the desire for justice influenced my post. laurie
OOOPs! Another post in your comments. So sorry. laurie
You said it all! Justice has not been served but it will one day. God said " suffer the little children to come unto me." She may have fooled some jurors but God is not fooled.
Very well said, Debbie. You are such a good writer. I was gone too but not for the same reason as you, I was on a cruise, so I did not notice you gone but I am glad we are both back now.....Christine
Did notice you were gone, hoping you were on vacation. Missed the trial, I was at work when the verdict came out, several coworkers were huddled around the TV, I had no clue what was going on...
One day there will be no more pain and no more tears and no more injustice
Anyway I am glad you are back, missed you.
So happy to "see" you again! You were missed! I agree 100% that the Anthony case was fraught with lie after lie. Praise God heaven is only a heartbeat away and He will have the ultimate verdict! Prayers for all the lost and hopeless souls! HUGS :)
I would like to say I knew you were absent but I was absent myself, so welcome back, I did miss everyone while away.
I am like you about lying, can't tolerate it at all. I think maybe the jury slept through the trial. The only comfort I find is knowing, this precious child is with our Lord, and feels no more pain.
Thanks for always being so open and honest, a true virtue!!! you are such a blessing here in blogland.
Much love,
Sue
Yes, Debbie ... I've missed you.
You know what? When I was transfixed by "the Hurricane" last weekend, I imagined you, too, watching and waiting.
This trial has SO messed with my senses; I wonder if I'm the only one who FEELS so acutely. Then, I read your poignant words and others' comments and I'm a bit comforted. Thank you, for being YOU!
Debbie - yes you were missed. I guess I'm one of the few people who didn't follow the case, although I was aware of what happened in the end.
As you said, there is a family who needs to know the Savior. And yes, someday justice will be done for Caylee.
It is good to see you back!
Debbie,
While I did not watch the trial, I did hear enough other people talking about it and formed an opinion that differed greatly from the jurors' verdicts. God says, "vengence is mine" and I firmly believe it. Glad to see you back in the sunshine and thank you for your sweet comment on my sparkling sparklers.
~Jean
A party girl who grew tired of her child and did the unthinkable. She 'forgets' to report her child missing and then goes on a month long party binge. My fear is the precedent now set in place for other idiots.
My solace is that Casey will have a difficult time finding anywhere that will welcome her and living in fear. The big party is over.
I read your post with fascination..first cause I love the way you write your thoughts....and the thing that hit me the most was "the fact that somewhere in Florida is a family who really needs Jesus." While running in the woods....something hit me....Moses killed a man, David murdered a man to hide his affair with the man's wife....But for the grace of God there go any of us. Glad you're back....
I've missed you and share your feelings of outrage and injustice. We all took a few steps back last week in horror and wondered how all of that happened. Satan is alive, well and working it for sure.
My plea to America is, please don't allow her to profit from what she's done. Literally let it go, showing no more interest. Don't buy the magazines, watch the talk shows, or see movies and let her "die" so to speak. So thanks for your thought provoking words, as always.
Along with a dose of sunshine, try some chard and exercise faith in the ultimate judge. Casey may not pay in this life, but she will in the next.
Very well said, my friend!! Lots that we will NEVER know about in this very sad case. Thank you so much for your honesty and hope you are feeling like "walking on Sunshine" soon!
This is the best post and comments I've heard about this case. I too was so upset and just had to pray. I do know that the LORD is totally in control and I believe that He will handle this horrible situation in His own way. I have tried to understand any of this and just can't. So like you, I am just placing it in the hands of the Lord and trusting. God Bless. Hugs, Marty
Welcome back!
I never watched the whole trial. Just snippets that would be shown now. I didn't want to get caught up in the whole thing. But I must say I was just shocked as can be by the verdict. I just can't understand that Mother of hers. The whole family is really odd. I hope they aren't able to profit from this whole thing. That would just be too much.
Debbie,
I missed you, but was 'away' too.
I will jump on your bandwagon too. A sad, tragic story with an equally tragic and sad ending. You're right on.
I think people definitely notice when you're gone-it is such a joy to read your writing. You are loved in blogland :) This was a great post-very well written. I don't have TV so didn't see much about this-only what I read on short articles and from what I read and as a mother, this just didn't make sense to me. You captured it very well, and I love the things you listed that you learned-very true indeed and something that I am glad to be reminded of. And yes, there is a family in Florida that needs Jesus-such a powerful sentence. And so amazed that Jesus can heal something as tragic as this, something that to me seems so unfixable.
So glad you're back!
Amen and amen. What i found so incredible is that 12 people in the same room at the same time all were blinded by the lies of the prince of darkness. I didn't see one iota of doubt, reasonable or otherwise. I had to take a deep breath (okay lots of them) and just give the justice to God...that's where it finally ends any way. I was gone too so I missed us both (())
July 10, 2011 7:38 AM
Dear Debbie... I am so glad you are *back* and among us. This was a sad, sad, sad situation. The outcome says way too much about our judicial system. All I know for sure is that I believe Caylee is in a much better place than being with her mom. It breaks our hearts and makes us sick to our stomachs to think of what that child suffered in her short life. She is free of that. Blessings ~ Tanna
So glad that you're back....
only words that I would have to say are....I agree!
Hugs,
shug
So very glad you are back. Well said, as I have turned to prayer, Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord., keeps running through my mind.
Miss you tons, thanks for your kind visit! hugs and blessings, marlis
You were missed, my friend, and you are not alone in your feelings about Hurricane Anthony. I, purposely, didn't watch a single minute of the trial, simply because I watched every minute of the O. J. Simpson trial and clearly recall I how devastated I was over that crazy verdict, and let me tell you, only ignorant people could have found him "not guilty," after the evidence presented in that case. So .... never knowing what tricks defense attorneys will pull out of their hats, and never knowing how a jury is going to respond, I didn't want to let myself get entangled in the hot mess at all. However, I was very bummed at the outcome, and just have to cast it out of my mind, else it would gnaw at me night and day.
I think what most jurors don't understand is the term "resonable doubt" doesn't mean beyond "any doubt," but beyond a doubt based in reason. Quite frankly, reasonable people are hard to come by these days.
But ... the good news is sweet Caylee is in the arms of God, and nobody can take that away from her. To be honest, I shudder to think what kind of life she would have had on this earth, with Casey as her mother. I pray for Casey's soul, and all of those who spun all kinds of lies during the trial.
And now that I've written a novella, I will just say you were missed and leave the outcome in God's hands. He will have the final say. (And if there are typos, I have no glasses on and it's almost 2AM. I need mercy.)
What an interesting post, even the comments are grabbingWhat an interesting post, even the comments are grabbing
I am just back from vacation myself so reading this a little late but may I say this is a GREAT post. Perfectly thought out. Perfectly stated. I hear you and concur 100%!
I'm with you. She is such a liar! It just makes me sick to my stomach, which is why I couldn't watch. I would've become obsessive about it.
Glad you're back. You're right too that they all need Jesus. We all do, but the yreally do!
Debbie, so well written. You are as always so thought-provoking and challenging. I LOVE reading what you write. It is horrible what happened. Wonderfully said!!
What a well thought out summary. I was right there with you for weeks and now I can't stand to watch any coverage of it at all {and there is still plenty}.
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