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Mercy in the Court

by Laurel Christensen

November 14, 2008
I'm not sure at what point it's appropriate to admit you have a criminal record. As a single girl, it's a quandry. Do I share it on the first date or on the 5th wedding anniversary? I'm not sure.

I got a little speeding ticket in the city last winter and was called in to court. I was given the option to sign an abeyance which allows you to keep the little traffic mishap off your record. In return for the court's kindness, you commit to not get another ticket in 6 months.

Apparently, when you sign an abeyance, they take it kind of seriously. And apparently if you violate that abeyance (i.e. if you get a ticket within 6 months after you committed not to), you have to officially appear before the judge.

I don't know what I was thinking...that it would be a casual gathering of citizens eating cookies and having punch? Shooting the breeze with the local elected judge? I walked into the courtroom and saw before my very eyes a few guys...in jail uniforms...with shackles...actual shackles. Standing next to them were two armed police officers.

I kind of wanted to whisper, "I'm sorry but I think I'm in the wrong place. I'm just the idiot who didn't pay attention to the speed limit. Where's the room for people like me?"

An older gentleman came and sat by me. He appeared to be down on his luck, but smiled and tried to make me feel comfortable.

Said he, "Well, I hope the judge is in a good mood."

"Is he sometimes not?"

"No."

"Should I be worried?"

"What are you in here for?" (What am I "in here" for? Isn't that what you say to someone once they are officially in the slammer?)

The judge comes in and proceeds to explain the various classes of misdemeanors and then I hear him say that my class (class "B") can carry up to a maximum $1000 fine and/or 180 days in jail.

I look around to see if anyone else is freaked out by this news. No one is.

The judge begins with the guys in the shackles. And it's some serious stuff. One of the guys is being sent back to jail. The other two have trial dates rescheduled. I couldn't help but ask "Where am I? How did I get here?!"

Then my older gentleman friend gets called up.

His story is so sad. He tells the judge he has a drinking job but pleads with the judge to not send him to jail..."I'm finally back on my feet. I can't lose my job."

He gets 60 days.

The officer walks up behind him and puts handcuffs on. My new friend is being polite and cooperative. The judge reminds him he's been in and out of trouble and he needs to learn his lesson once and for all.

The officer took my friend over to the other "felons" and the old man sits down and starts to cry. It broke my heart and I really wanted to do something but then I realize that I'm still sitting here...I still have to talk to the judge myself.

My name is called and I'll be honest...my heart skips a beat.

I approach the podium. The judge asks if I understand my rights. He reads my charge and asks how I plead.

"Guilty, Your Honor." (WHAT? did those words actually just come out of my mouth? How did I end up here?)

"Is there anything you'd like to say to me before I impose your sentence?" he asks. ("impose my sentence? Where am I? What is this?" Jean ValJean and Les Mis songs start running through my mind.)

"Just that I am so desperately sorry and I can't believe I'm here."

"I'm sure you are. Most people standing where you're standing are."

He didn't know me. I didn't have time to be charming or funny. He didn't know anything about my crazy story and didn't care that I got my 2nd ticket driving to check out the Girls Camp location (I'm SO committed to my calling!). I was just standing there, guilty, in need of some mercy.

We always talk about the "final day of judgment" that will happen for each of us someday. And on that day there will be a final accounting of our lives. But, I have to tell you that my day in court made my "day of judgment" less about "some day" and more about "today".

It occurred to me as I stood there waiting for my fate to be determined that EVERY DAY I have the opportunity to kneel before my Maker, in the name of He who is worthy to be my Judge but who desires to be my Advocate. Through some miraculous way, He is able to be both. And when I say, "I can't believe I'm here and I'm so desperately sorry", He knows.

And when I kneel, having violated a law, no matter how small, I am in need of mercy. And always, always, always, mercy is extended.

In the only courtroom that really matters, mercy is extended by the Judge who is also our Advocate. And that is the miracle of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

(Oh, and just in case you were worried, I didn't spend a night in jail. Apparently the judge was in a good mood.)

Comment(s) 3

Jeff & Kerrie said...

November 25, 2008

we like lc
You're really cool...

Karen said...

January 21, 2009

Awesome
I love the analogy. Thanks for sharing. I have thought of that as well.
Laurel_c

A New Addition to the TOFW family

by Laurel Christensen

May 15, 2009
One of the things that has been so fun about our tour this year are the new additions…a new theme…some new music…new totebags… And new presenters.

We hope to introduce you to all of them this year. And first up is Sister Kristen Oaks, wife of Elder Dallin H. Oaks.

It has been such a privilege to have Kristen join us at a few of our events this Spring. Though her travel schedule keeps her very busy, we’ve had the treat of having her join us in Seattle & Billings (and hope to include her at a few more cities this fall!)

I remember the first time I was meeting with Kristen. I was a little nervous and found the situation a little intimidating. She’s just one of those totally “put together” women (I, on the other hand, am NOT). But, in addition to being smart and gracious and good…she’s also incredibly down to earth. And I was so excited to get her to an event. I love how in one minute she’s calling us to action and in the next minute she’s got us giggling right along with her.

In addition to presenting at TOFW events, Kristen is also a first time author sharing a message she feels strongly is relevant to all women in A SINGLE VOICE. It’s a thoughtful look at living an “unexpected life” (who of us hasn’t?). One reader said, “I love the tone of practicality and spirituality.” We asked Kristen to share one of her favorite parts of the book.

Kristen, we love you and we’re so grateful that you have been able to find some time out of your busy schedule to be a part of our TOFW family. You’ve been a perfect addition!

Laurel_c

The Ampersand of Life

by Laurel Christensen

January 20, 2010
The ampersand. That's the official name for the "&" sign. Did you know that?

And a couple of years ago, I received a lovely ampersand paperweight as a gift. I was kind of taken back at first. It had never been on my list of "things to get Laurel"...but when I read the card that came with it, it came to the top of that list.

Turns out my dear friend had given me one of the most meaningful gifts I have in my home. In her note she said, "You look at life with a constant 'and'. You take what happens and... then you accept what God wants to teach you."

Now, I don't know that that is entirely true, but the mere fact she thought that of me has helped me in that quest. I want to be the "ampersand" person she thinks I am.

And I think I've finally figured out where "the ampersand of life" comes from.

If FAITH is my sentence,

HOPE is my "&".

I have faith in the effect of the sacrament...

and I hope partaking of it will help me be better this week.

I have faith that God hears and answers my prayers...

and I hope I'll be trusting of the outcome.

I struggle with basic gospel principles as much as the next girl. At times, faith seems elusive. But, the older I'm getting and the more life I'm living, I'm finally understanding that so much of my faith is sure and that I have more of it than I've given myself credit for.

I'm also understanding that when my faith has weakened, it's usually because my hope has weakened. The two principles are not as different as they are the same. And their connection is key.

Neal A Maxwell taught, "In the geometry of restored theology, HOPE has a greater circumference than FAITH. If FAITH increases, the perimeter of HOPE stretches correspondingly."

It's easier to hope IN something than to hope FOR...have you noticed that?

"The things we hope IN sustain us during our daily walk..." whereas "the things we hope FOR are often future events." President Uchtdorf goes on to teach, "We hope in Jesus the Christ, in the goodness of God, in the manifestations of the Holy Spirit, in the knowledge that prayers are heard and answered. Because God has been faithful and kept His promises in the past, we can hope with confidence that God will keep His promises to us in the present and in the future." (Infinite Power of Hope, Elder Uchtdorf)

I more than hope that is true.

I know it is true.

I think I have looked at much of life the last few years with an ampersand. It's kept me grounded and allowed me to grow closer to God and let Him heal my heart. But, my ampersand has been in what I hope IN.

Not what I hope FOR.

And it's time to hope FOR.

He expects me to hope FOR as well.

I have FAITH God keeps His promises...

and I HOPE...

&.

I HOPE.

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then so we with patience hope for it. Likewise the Spirit also helpeth...for we know not what we should pray for as we ought; but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:24-28)

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