Reflect on flaws before judging

“How could she have gone so far off the deep end?” “I bet her dad is so disappointed in her.” “She used to be such a role model for girls… .” Over the past several months, I've heard these judgments of Miley Cyrus thrown around like they're sweet in the sayer's mouth. While there may be validity in the statements, I believe we've gone about dealing with this dilemma the wrong way because we have no idea what has occurred behind the scenes.

We base our judgments on what the media feed us and they love a rich “good girl gone bad” tale. In no way am I defending Cyrus' actions because I was in the generation that grew up with Hannah Montana on the Disney Channel and I miss that fun, dramatic, trendsetting teen. However, I believe there's a better way to go about her situation.

Clearly the excessive paparazzi attention and hateful blogs about her downward cycle haven't brought her back to the once innocent role model she was. This phase of rebellion shows a deep need for a sense of belonging somewhere. There's a God-shaped hole in her heart that she's filling with worldly pleasures, as many lost people do, yet none of those distractions quite fit right in that space designed for Christ's love.

So when you next consider casting the first stone on her and her “unrighteousness,” reflect on your own imperfections, say an honest prayer for the corruption in our world and lay the stone aside.

Kelli Klaus

Cedar Rapids