Accusations, Convictions & Consequences

I was sent this yesterday: ‘Colin the Caterpillar facing the sack after nude photos appear online’.

It was predictable that with all of Colin’s recent publicity there would rumours and accusations about his private life – when he’s not on public display in Marks & Spencer.

I fear that just as mud sticks so chocolate icing can only create a cover-up job.

The news this week has included the George Floyd murder trial in Minneapolis. Derek Chauvin’s conviction has been a triumph for some and a relief for others…

President Biden said: ‘I’ve come to know George’s family… They’re a good family and they’re calling for peace and tranquillity.’

Let’s hope and pray that is the consequence.

Today, 23^rd April, is St George’s Day. Apparently the legend about George rescuing the king’s daughter from the scary dragon who had terrorised the town was invented in the Middle Ages…

What seems to be true is that when the Roman Emperor Diocletion proclaimed a persecution of Christian believers, George, who had been converted and baptised into the Christian faith, was accused, tortured and executed.

He’s remembered today with churches, pubs and hospitals named after him… (perhaps the similarity between the three is a musing for another day!)

Mother Teresa talked about our attitudes and actions following false accusations:

‘People are often unreasonable and self-centred. Forgive them anyway. If you are kind people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway. If you are honest people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.

If you find happiness people may be jealous. Be happy anyway. If you do good today it may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway. You see in the end it is between you and God. And it was never between you and them anyway.’

True for St George and good advice for Colin.