Many of the pundits following the Casey Anthony trial have a hesitant, yet familiar refrain: "Juror Number Four...she said she ‘doesn't like to judge other people; it's not her place to judge anyone. It's not something she should do.'"
Today, when I heard that "Juror # 4" is a "Black female. In her fifties. Single. No kids," I had one thought and question: Oh Lord. Is Juror #4 a fanatical "Church Lady," and she thinks the only person to judge anything is God? It's just a question.
Don't get me wrong. I am a woman of faith; I've been a Christian since my youth. I have had my years--too many of them--in which I all but lived in church. I'd attend two services on Sunday; make prison ministry visits on Monday; attend (and direct) choir practice on Tuesday; attend Bible Study on Wednesdays and Friday night prayer services. I'd pass out tracks while street-witnessing on Saturday and again be in service the following Sunday. How I did much of this while in grueling medical school, a sleepless residency and many years of a busy ob-gyn practice (with no lawsuits ever) is still beyond my comprehension.
Do I do all that churchin' now? No. I've matured in my faith and I realize there's a whole God-created world out there to be seen, explored and enjoyed. I've learned to have a balanced life--emotionally, spiritually and socially. I now enjoy additional activities, interests and friends. I pray and also play. It's okay; and God is still working many a miracle in my life.
But it was during those church services that I'd occasionally hear the pastor say, "Some people are so heavenly-minded, that they're no earthly-good." As it relates to justice for Caylee, and maybe "Juror #4" (and also Juror #2, a Black man and Juror #5, a White woman) I pray--I pray--this is not the case. I'm not saying that it is; I'm saying I pray it is not. I will have to wait till the trial is over to see and hear her words. For now, I just ask.
If any juror stated in voir dire that they don't like to judge--and gave the inference that they would have a hard time doing so, if they could at all--how in the world would they get selected to sit on the jury? I hope and pray that all jurors recognize that we are here on this Earth and in this country to relate to other human beings, here, in the flesh. In the human realm, regardless of our faith, as Americans we all have a civic duty to perform with dedication and diligence.
God also gives us common sense. And a heart. And compassion. And intelligence with which to reason the matters in our trust. And most people--especially those with a spirit of moral sensibilities--have a sense of right and wrong.
In addition, the honorable Judge Belvin Perry instructed the jurors that even if they don't like the instructions/orders, they are to abide by them in their duty as a sworn juror in this case.
All jurors in this case have put in weeks of time and sacrificed their personal lives to serve. To all, including Juror #4, I and others thank you. I can only imagine you are eager to be free, no longer sequestered. I write to publicly pray that all jurors will abide by their sworn oath to be a juror as we all seek justice for a most innocent, precious child. We don't need, nor should there be, a hung jury.
If Juror #4 is not a "church lady," perhaps she has other reasons "not to judge." When the jury is released, perhaps we'll learn the reasons; or not. But if she is a "church lady," I pray, I beg of God to move on her heart to be not only so heavenly-minded, but also be and do some earthly-good with the civic duty placed before her, for such a time as this. Little Caylee Marie deserves it, and Our Heavenly Father God would require no less.
To all...Be Healthy, Be Blessed...Be Prayerful...and make sure you are Living Well.
Copyright © 2011 Dr. Melody T. McCloud. All rights reserved.
PS: I will add to this post in a few days when the trial is over, once all the facts of the case, and jurors, are known. Also to address how a "God-only" mentality has had a major effect on marriage statistics for ever-faithful Black women and health care outcomes for all, as discussed in LW.
