Lessons From Happy Valley

Like many, I've watched the recent events unfold at Penn State with a mix of horror, shock and disbelief. Coach Joe Paterno had built over the years what seemed to be a rock solid reputation of integrity that his program would have been the last you'd suspect of covering up the inexcusable crime of child abuse. The majority of my relatives are from central Pennsylvania and Penn State football is a common bond woven into the fabric of the towns they live in. In an area that was economically devastated long before the current downturn, State College was "Happy Valley"; the one ray of sunshine in a mostly depressed area. My uncle, who I was named after, had three passions: his family, banking and Penn State football and I'm glad he's in Heaven and not seeing this tragedy unfold.

We should be sickened by the crimes that were allowed to happen at Penn State. We should be angry that innocent lives have been permanently damaged in the name of protecting an institution's reputation. We should desire that justice prevail; even it if means destroying the legacy of a man many considered to the greatest college football coach of all time. Yet, we should also be aware of the lessons to be learned from what happened at Happy Valley.

Micah 6:8 tells us three things that the Lord requires of us--do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with God. We must always seek justice and never cover up wrongdoing; especially the kind that harms others. Even if it means confronting a supervisor, a peer or a subordinate. We must be merciful toward others; with special diligence towards those who need protection. We must continually lay our lives before God and allow him to root any prideful spirit out of us. We must never allow any position of authority we may have to be used to cover up or facilitate wrong doing. During the ensuing protests on campus, one sign held up speaks to this horrific situation better than any I've seen: "All that is necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.

John 8:32 reminds us that the truth sets us free. I've also been reminded over the years that the truth always comes to light. Our vain attempts to cover up the truth will often lead to more serious consequences down the road. God will occasionally put us in situations where we must choose whether to seek justice or compromise. A 46-year legacy of excellence has come crashing down due to compromise in a place called Happy Valley. As God's men, may we always choose the path that honors our Lord--a path of justice, mercy and humility.