Thursday, July 2, 2009

Jenny Sanford on the moral high ground

by Smitty (h/t Lucianne)

The Post and Courier features Jenny Sanford playing a straightforward Christian hand with respect to the despicable cad husband.

If someone truly understands what the Almighty has forgiven them, on an individual basis, it becomes impossible not to pass on the savings. Forgiveness is about freedom from past wrongs. It's about saying "no" to emotional baggage.

Forgiveness is not about being a doormat. Jenny correctly identifies Mark's behavior itself as "inexcusable". [Cheap piling on goes here]. What's crucial to understand is that forgiveness with respect to the past is not an abandonment of the future. The Sanford case itself is their business, but, in general, I'm completely supportive of a spouse laying down heavy requirements for repentance. The wayward husband should show a substantial, demonstrable change of heart, or the wife is justified in divorcing the creep. Some might argue ventilating him is OK, too: but think about the rug.

In other words, divorce, while ugly, may be acceptable in the face of unrepentant behavior. That divorce would have nothing to do with being unforgiving about past sins, and everything to do with rejecting future unrighteousness.

5 comments:

  1. I could only wish that Obama had the spine and intestinal fortitute of this outstanding woman.

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  2. They just need a few months in marriage counseling, avoiding the public spotlight as much as possible.

    Mark is obviously having a bit of a nervous breakdown, and he needs counseling on his own.

    No, he shouldn't quit as Governor, but he should be prepared to turn the reins over to the Lt. Gov. if his mental condition becomes any more frail.

    The future can't be discerned right now, but Jenny should shut up, and Mark should REALLY shut up.

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  3. No, he shouldn't quit as Governor, but he should be prepared to turn the reins over to the Lt. Gov. if his mental condition becomes any more frail.
    Oh, I think that turning up the expectation level on our elected leadership is exactly what we need to do.
    You get the leadership you demand. Support not cretinism.
    This is not about Mark Sanford in the slightest: it's about the office. Bogus, personality-driven sentimentality about the office and its requirements is a major contributing factor to the weakness we see at all levels.
    For a (still human but) relatively improved example, consider the military officer corps. If Sanford was a ship CO, his butt would have been relieved for cause post haste.

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  4. What a smart post. In light of all the endless speculation, therapy sessions (a la MoDo), etc., it's nice to read the down and dirty bottom line - and what will get her through this.

    Mrs. Sanford obviously takes her faith very seriously and that it's a living active force in her life. I'm guessing she knows personally what she's been forgiven and in turn now knows precisely what she is called to forgive in her husband. May His grace truly prove to be sufficient.

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  5. "Some might argue ventilating him is OK, too: but think about the rug."

    That's what plastic is for. ;-) My Mom, after finding out about my Dad's infidelity, nailed him with a cast iron fry pan. When he woke up, she threw him out.

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