She is being called “the most hated woman in America.” Some suggest she might be the most hated woman in the world. The jury found Casey Anthony “not guilty” of murdering her daughter, Caylee, on July 5, 2011. Social media erupted with cries of shock and anger. The majority of people believed Casey had gotten away with murder. According to police, there were at least seven legitimate threats against her life on the day she was released from prison.
This isn’t a post about whether or not she is guilty of murder. The fact is, the American justice system found her not guilty. I wasn’t in the court room. And, while the majority of the case was seen by millions of people on live television, there had to be reasons why the twelve people on the jury decided the way they did. Again, guilty or not, it doesn’t change what I’m about to say.
I remember how I felt when I read the story of Ashley Kirilow. She’s the young lady who faked cancer in order to get attention. It all went wrong for her when people began to raise money in support of her battle. The anger felt toward Ashley after it was revealed that she had faked having cancer was intense. And yet, my heart went out to her. I wrote God Loves You, Ashley Kirilow in response.
In many ways, I’m feeling the same way now for Casey Anthony. Now, I realize that some will quickly jump in here and remind me that murdering a young girl is not the same as faking cancer. That is very true. Of course, Kirilow admitted guilt in faking cancer, Anthony has claimed innocence in the death of her daughter.
And yet, even if she stood up and admitted to murder, it wouldn’t change the title of this post. Jesus would still love Casey Anthony. Even if she murdered her daughter.
That’s grace. The Apostle Paul suggests that biblical grace is a “stumbling block” to many, because of how offensive it can seem. (see: 1 Corinthians 1:18–25) And he should know. After all, he assisted in the murder of many Christians prior to his own conversion.
Two year old Caylee is in the arms of Jesus. No matter who it was that ended her life, she is in a better place. And so, tonight I prayed for her mother. I prayed that Casey would find the hope, healing, peace, and love that only Christ can offer her. I prayed that she would know that even if every person in the world hated her (which isn’t true), Jesus would always love her (very true). His grace is offered to her just as his grace is offered to me. And to you.
You see, that’s grace. Freely given to liars, thieves, adulterers, gossipers, and yes, even murderers.
