Who is Not Guilty?

Not Guilty screamed the headlines. The news blared on all the TV stations. Video of the verdict played over and over.
The case consumed Orlando, captured Florida, and enthralled the world. Three years of investigations, accusations, and testimonies dominated the media. All types of people were seized and held captive-young, old, male, female, rich, poor, educated, uneducated ... Like a horrible, riveting soap opera, lives were exposed and damaged while the world watched.
Opinions differed. Debates and arguments occupied time. Words and actions revealed strong emotions. The terrible crime created victims and villains.
Tensions rose higher and higher. After the case closed, the jury deliberated. Sides were taken as each hoped for the right decision.
Finally, the jury returned. The decisions rang out across the world. Total shock. Relief. Stunned silence. Joyful hugs. Both inside and outside of the courtroom, a range of emotions surfaced.
Though the daily coverage ended, the saga isn’t over. Sentencing comes later. Media frenzy continues with interviews, tabloids, books, movies ...
So many questions remain unanswered. Who killed Caylee? How could any mother do such a thing? Why didn’t she report her child missing? How could Casey lie and lie while she partied? Why did such an adorable child’s life end so tragically? Probably those questions will never be answered satisfactorily.
Crimes against children grab attention and demand action. This one invaded our homes and insisted on justice. For many, that justice did not come. However, God is the ultimate judge.
Outrage, indignation, and helplessness about injustice done to Caylee can be channeled to help other children. In every community around the world, innocent children are abused, neglected, starved, and killed. Only a few of the cases appear on the news. They suffer in silence hoping someone will come to their aid. Often only a few know of their struggles.
They can be helped. Everyone who watched the trial, read the reports, and felt anger at the cruelty can rescue other children.
Around the world, thousands die each day of starvation, disease, and war. They ache from hunger and abuse. Mental and physical abuse occur in all levels of society. A poor economy only intensifies the problem.
Opportunities abound to assist to make lives better. Donate food and money to a food pantry or foreign ministry. Volunteer for a feeding program, at a homeless shelter, or abuse center. Encourage a single parent. Write letters to the newspaper or government leaders. Let the world know about the problems and offer to help.
Problems can be attacked and children saved. Anger, exasperation, and compassion should not be wasted on things we can’t change. Together we can make a difference. No one wants to hear Not Guilty when asked if he helped make a child’s life better.