I understand as a Christian we should give people second chances, but there are sometimes that it is especially hard. Of course this list includes murder and abuse. People who use careless, hurtful words, could be on that list, as well.
Speaking of this, popular TV chef Paula Deen is reported to have made some racially targeted remarks that are hard to swallow and are just plain wrong.
According to The Washington Post, Deen had used racial slurs in her restaurant and then continued on by saying “It’s just what they are – they’re jokes…most jokes are about Jewish people, rednecks, black folks…I can’t determine what offends another person.”
Since this information about racial epithets has come out Deen has lost her contract with The Food Network and several endorsements. She scrambled trying to apologize and seems to have made the situation worse by publishing on YouTube a poorly edited, seemingly insincere video. This video allegedly was pulled after a couple of hours but then two others were posted equally as unhelpful as an apology. Then on top of the hoopla she cancelled an interview on the Today show, just to reschedule 3 days later. Without getting in front of the issues she just made it worse. I understand people make mistakes but to continually make ‘jokes’ such as these is unacceptable.
People must be aware that their words and actions have consequences. You can forgive someone but to truly forget it is not an easy task. Sometimes forgiving someone seems almost impossible. The negative image that Ms. Deen is going to have to live with for the remainder of her life will follow her around. Every cookbook, pan, whisk, product, and restaurant she endorses is going to have to go beyond the reported racial slurs said by her.
Racially-charged language is never acceptable for us Christians. We, as Christians, should be building each other up, providing encouragement and support. Proverbs 16:24 says “Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body.” It is always great to hear a compliment and we should strive daily to build up the people around us.
What are your thoughts on the Paula Deen controversy?