July 29, 2014

Let Me Tell You a Story (or, You Just Never Know...)

This isn't a blog post I want to write. I don't want to bring any additional pain to the family members involved, but the situation surrounding convicted child molester Greg Kelley and his supporters in Leander, Texas, makes this a necessary story to tell.


Back when I was in High School, there was a girl that could easily be described as the nicest girl in school, and stunningly beautiful, to boot. I don't remember anyone that disliked her, and her family was held in high regard by everyone. She had a brother a couple of years younger than us, whom I never met, but he had a nice sister and a nice family, so he had to be a nice guy, too.

Imagine my surprise a few weeks ago to see a link to a news story on a local message board concerning him. It turns out that he had just hanged himself in jail after being arrested for possession of child pornography and the rape of over 56 children which he had videotaped. I would have never imagined that he would have been the guy from my school to have done such a thing (and I even knew a guy from school that murdered a couple a few years after graduating.) The FBI is still seeking information regarding his victims.

What does this have to do with the people of Leander, Texas that are holding rallies and vigils to support Greg Kelley? The fact that You Just Never Know... If he weren't guilty, then why would he admit his guilt in a plea bargain? You all think you know this guy so well, but you really don't. None of you live inside his head, and you have no idea what thoughts might be in there.

I get standing by a friend, and that's an admirable thing. But, to come out and say that the very young victims are lying about this is abominable. You can support your friend in a way that doesn't ridicule the victim in such a public manner.  What is especially disgusting is that a local church and its pastor are sponsoring events to support this convicted child molester.

I'd like to ask Pastor Bob Brydon of Generations Church in Leander how he can reconcile his dismissal of the victim's statements with Christ's admonition not to cause little children to stumble? Do you think this nonsense will make them want to be Christians later in life? Your church claims to seek daily guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pastor Brydon, perhaps you should do some deeper soul-searching and seeking of guidance from the Spirit before you jump so whole-heartedly behind Greg Kelley. Have you had a face-to-face, man-to-man talk with him since his conviction and acceptance of a plea deal? I doubt it, knowing the way TDCJ works, but when he gets established in a housing unit, I'd urge you to go and visit him and demand that he tell you the real truth. You might be surprised at what you hear.


This is all a sickening situation, and I urge Greg Kelley's supporters to spend some of their energy in prayer for the victims' healing. Put yourself in their shoes, instead of your friend's. I do understand your disbelief, because it still triggers a disconnect in me when I consider what that boy from my school did. But, Matthew pronounced judgment upon himself, and a jury pronounced judgment on Greg. Some things you just have to accept, no matter how hard it is to believe.


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