Apr. 10: Imus’ Apology

The news channels are buzzing today over racially disparaging remarks made against the Rutgers University Women’s Basketball Team by radio and television talk show host Don Imus. The ladies of Rutgers competed in the NCAA championship last week and lost to the University of Tennessee, who clinched their 7th national title. On another night the outcome may have been different, making Rutgers the champs. Their "golden season" has been tarnished by the events surrounding Mr. Imus despicable comments.

Imus has apologized for his remarks and offered to meet with the team face-to-face. He has been suspended for two weeks. There is still a growing contingent calling for him to be fired. Press conferences are being held, news coverage increases, and these statements and events once again have brought to the forefront the prejudice, bigotry and racial tension bubbling under the surface in our culture.

How do we handle apologies and forgiveness? We live in a “reality TV” culture where we’re used to hearing “the tribe has spoken” and “you’re fired”. We are used to having a say in which singer or dancing couple gets booted out and who gets to "live" another week. Some have come to see it as a personal right to have a say in their neighbor’s fate.

So I’m sitting here wondering how you and I would feel if everything we said in public were made known to the entire public? How would you and I fare if everything we said in private were held up for public scrutiny? I am not trying to defend Don Imus or anyone else. All this just reminds me that what God says is true: “There is no one righteous, not even one.” “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:10, 23)

Personally, I am grateful that in spite of my rottenness and sinfulness there is hope. There is a God, and He loves me and stands willing to forgive me if I will confess my sins and turn to Him for help. I am reminded of the need to have my own thoughts and words “cleaned up” and made more helpful instead of hurtful.

The Apostle Paul gives advice that I need to be reminded of daily: “Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” (Ephesians 4:29)

I don’t know what's going to come of Mr. Imus’ career. I’m trying not to judge him too harshly because I’m just as guilty. The only difference is that the hurtful things I have thought or said on occasion weren’t heard by the folks against whom I thought or said them. But if they had been…

And one day they will be. Everything will be exposed. Every word will be accounted for…

~ Father, today I do not want to judge or justify. It has been highlighted again just how much I need You. Like Isaiah I cry out, "Woe to me! I am ruined! For I am a man of unclean lips, and I live among a people of unclean lips.” (Isaiah 6:5) Purify my heart and mouth, O Lord, that my words will be pleasing to You and helpful to others. Amen.