Christian Living

---

Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday March 1, 2011

I haven't heard the name, Kenneth Lay, of Enron infamy for sometime so I was piqued when it came to mind as a man called to rehearse the supposed “crimes” of a departed preacher whom we both knew slightly. It would be an exercise in futility for you to attempt to figure out just "who" as I know where thousands of skeletons are buried and for many reasons I choose to leave bones alone. Even Roman Soldiers left the bones of Jesus alone as stated in John 19:33:

But when they came to Jesus, and saw that he was dead already, they brake not his legs:

God protected the bones of His only begotten Son for important reasons not germane to this article but I use the reference to give a modicum of reason for my choices in these matters. Bear with me please.

Shakespeare gives two truths about the treatment of the dead and we often need to make a choice concerning which is best suited. Notice the first and most oft used:

"Men's evil manners live in brass; their virtues we write in water." King Henry VIII Part 1, Act IV Sc. 2

"Thy ignominy sleep with thee in the grave, but not remembered in thy epitaph." King Henry IV Part 1 Act V Sc 4

Two choices.

Now back to Kenneth Lay. You may recall that due to his death the civil proceeding against him and his wife ceased. Why? The law at that time demanded than an accused be able to confront the accusers. A dead man could not do such.

The principle is simple and I believe constitutionally correct.

I think it is wise to leave the dead in the hands of God to judge, as He knows all of the facts, and also the thoughts and intents of the heart, thoughts and intents that no other human being can fathom. Mitigating circumstances far beyond human understanding play into the actions of well meaning men and women, circumstances hidden from the eyes of those of us who are left behind. Who knows the secrets, good or evil of the man or woman whose mortal remains lie in repose beneath the marker? We can and should take comfort that God knows, and also that God understands with a wisdom we do not or shall ever have in this Vale of Tears.

Thus I opt for not breaking a bone of memory or reputation and let any "ignominy sleep with thee in the grave, but not remembered in thy epitaph."

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2011 Use with credit

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE