Lost Innocence

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23 (NRSV) 

[Content warning for sexual violence.] 

When the accusations against Cesar Chavez came last month, I went looking for that box in my closet, where I keep my lost innocence. The box was overflowing. I needed to start a new box. 

Is one sin different than another? Are some more egregious? Is a special place in hell reserved for the Epsteins of the world? I hold a particular disgust for people who molest children. Their victims’ hurt isn’t short. It is long, enduring scar—prohibiting some from positive attachments or the fun of sex. My new box is filling up with who get away with harm. 

Right now, many of us are flooded by the ongoing news and public knowledge of sexual criminals. Just flooded.  

The first time I went to jail it was because of Cesar Chavez. The issue was lettuce. The seven women arrested included Dorothy Day. When we got to our makeshift jail cell, she immediately announced that the only time she had to read or write was during her jail visits. She would be happy to be sociable at supper time, but no more. 

She had innocence lost too and knew how to use her time to good personal advantage. She also knew how not to get flooded. She put up boundaries around herself that allowed her to do what she wanted to do. 

All have sinned. But not all have fallen short, yet, of the glory of God. Dorothy Day found glory in boundaries. Dolores Huerta found glory in truth. Happy 96^th Birthday to her. 

Prayer
God of Glory, help us talk honestly about sinful crimes, pursue justice against those who commit them, and carry on toward You. May the day come when we don’t need boxes to hold it all. Amen.

About the Author
Donna Schaper is an interim Pastor at the United Church of Gainesville, Florida, and author, most recently of Remove the Pews—first from your theology, then from your building.