Mr. T and the Women

"Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, nor could they even blush..." Jeremiah 8:12

I don't often take time to comment on celebrity affairs, except among family, if the subject arises. I don't think promiscuity among public figures is entertaining, "captivating", or worthy of headlines. Frankly, it sickens me. But, this once, I've had enough and I am speaking up. To those who expected more of me, sorry. To those who disagree, tough.

For the last several weeks, we have been treated to the sexual indiscretions of golf legend Tiger Woods. He has been laid bare (no pun intended) for all to examine and judge. The sad thing is, he is being judged not by people who feel he did wrong, but by those who see headlines, TV specials, and dollar signs in their coverage of his sins. I agree with Fox News commentator Britt Hume: Woods desperately needs to turn his life over to a God who sees the man in sin, loves him still, and will forgive if he asks. I pray that he does.

My disgust with the whole mess comes not at disappointment in a man who has been held up as an example to young people; big men sometimes fail, fact of life. It comes in the depiction of the women who were using and being used by Woods as pawns or victims. When I was in my 20's, a woman caught in blatant immorality would avoid the press and try to assume at least some sense of shame for her part in the scandal. However, following the notoriety (and, in some cases wealth) bestowed on the likes of Donna Rice, Marla Maples, Jessica Hahn, and Monica Lewinsky, being the backseat babe of some rich, famous, or powerful man now carries a badge of honor. Near-naked shots of these women can be found on any news or tabloid site, sexually explicit tapes are going high-dollar, and talk shows are fighting over interviews like rabid dogs in a pit. Every one of these women knew who Woods was, knew he was married, and knew what they were doing. Not one of them, to my knowledge, has expressed any shame or remorse; not so much as a blush.

I don't watch "The View." I don't know anything about Joy Behar, except that the expression "foul-mouthed broad" seems to be tailor-made for her. Apparently, she has been asked to apologize for calling these women "prostitutes". It seems, on the surface, to fit the situation. They serviced a famous man and now they want to be paid. However, I don't think these women compare to the girls on the corner of Jefferson Street, who are earning a living the only way they think they can. I'm not condoning the profession; I'm just saying I have more respect for the girl on the street than I have for someone who willingly plays a part in a filthy and immoral game and then tries cashing it all in for fifteen minutes of fame.

"Wow, Jo, hard on 'em much?" Maybe. I am just so tired of sin and filth being made to look glamorous, fun, and profitable to us and our precious children. Maybe if more of us came down harder on the side of righteousness, public figures will get the message that we don't want this in our lives. So, yeah, I'm ticked off and not afraid to say so.

At the same time, I want these women to know that the God who will forgive Tiger Woods will forgive them. Don't believe me? Pull out your Bible and turn to St. John, the 8th chapter. He is faithful, loving, and forgiving, no matter who you are or what you have done. Will it all go away? Nope, not for a while, at least. Will He guide you through it and give strength and grace to bear it? Without a doubt. I pray that you let Him.

Said my piece; done.