I don’t know the details of the affair. When was it happening? Was it going on while he was engaged in some of what he was noted for? What led up to his fall? How much more than these “eight years” was compromised? In light of this admission, can we trust anything that Yancy wrote or said? In light of his confession, Yancy has stated that he is removing himself from any further ministry of any kind. That is certainly appropriate at the current time. I’ll not consider here the circumstances under which restoration might be achieved, as Yancy has serious health considerations that would also factor in any “return to ministry.” So, let’s assume that his ministry is finished.

The general “story” here is something I want to address briefly. What do we do when someone we look up to falls from grace? There is no question, it can be distressing to us personally. Do we forget everything we previously received as a blessing? Do we write them off and have nothing to do with them ever again? First of all, let us remember that we are sinners too. That doesn’t excuse the sins of a leader or mentor, but it gives us a little perspective. Can we extend the forgiveness and grace that we have relied on ourselves? That doesn’t mean that the person gets a pass - a get out of jail free card. When we sin, there are consequences. It very well may be that a relationship is redefined. It may be that things cannot continue the way they were; that a leader may have disqualified themselves from leadership. But that doesn’t automatically mean we must separate ourselves or deny previous blessings and good.

Living by faith in Jesus Christ can be a messy business. And, it will certainly have us bumping up against others who are dealing with their own messy business. Sometimes it rubs off on others. Sometimes we are hurt in one way or another. Remember, Peter had some great moments before he denied Jesus. After he denied Jesus, he found forgiveness in Jesus and did even more and greater than he had before. When we see someone who has fallen, can we acknowledge the sin and see past it? Can we stay connected as Jesus often did, and forgive? If we cannot, there may come a time when we find that we are the ones frozen out. As Lent approaches, you might take some time to consider how your faith is holding up. How are my actions measuring up? Am I, in any way, giving anyone pause to wonder what I stand for? Is there any way that what I am doing now might undo any good I have done in the past? These are not easy questions, but unlike so much of the news that we consume and consumes us, we can do something about this - especially with the help of God. There is no doubt that when widely recognized figures fall, it can shake many people. But don’t dismiss the influence you have. May our walk with God, with Jesus, be true and from the heart; that no one will look at you and think or say, “Not him,” “Not her.”

Grace, Mercy and Peace,

Pastor Blaine