As every parent my heartfelt wishes are that Beth and her daughter, Natalee, will be reunited. She is experiencing a trauma that many fear, but few have lived through. However, I also believe that, as a Christian, her words yesterday were not Christ-like. How can one expect the people there to see her as a woman of faith if: with one hand she is passing out prayer cards and begging others to pray for her daughter, while, at the same time she slanders the sons of another sorrowful mother by calling them “criminals?” In the United States she could be sued for such public pronouncements.
The Twitty’s judgment of Aruba’s law is reflective of an attitude of American snobbery and superiority where they have no right to be so judgmental. Many in America are appalled at what was said. They chose to allow their daughter to visit Aruba but Aruba does not have to choose to negate their laws to suit the Twitty family. Because Natalee disappeared there (and there still is no evidence of a crime), and the Twitty’s are unhappy with the investigative proceedings does not mean they have a right to criticize/judge the laws or government of the country. It does not appear their behavior is representative of the type a family would project if purporting to be faithful Christians. Christianity is more than verbalizing a belief, it is displayed in one’s actions, demeanor and compassion for all, not just expectations that others see one as being Christian.
But beyond that, there is a difference between wanting the justice that so many want to see done in this case, and the angry vengeance the family is now displaying. It would be wise if they were to remember that Our Lord reprimanded that vengeance is His.
There is no definitive proof of anything: Against Joran, or his father or the Kalpoe brothers, or others held or mentioned. Or that someone else, yet unknown took Natalee, or that she is now in another land, or that she wandered off and fell into a hole, or even found a way to escape to somewhere else herself. Some of these may be absurd, and many don't make sense but none has been disproved or proven. So no one should be branded a "criminal" at this point. And filling the air with hate rather than prayer is simply not a positive approach. Hate never resolved anything or brought any good. Only prayer can help all the people involved.
There is a time when, especially if one is a Christian, one must display a true trust in God. There must be a willingness to place problems in His hands, and not fall prey to the desire to evoke a worldwide “lynch mob” mentality, and hateful emotion to be directed against one’s own targets of anger. The family’s sorrow is understandable, but their denouncement of others is unjust, unkind, and not excused by their frustration. It is simply not Christian to make pronouncements or threatening statements about possible future retaliations against others if one does not get one’s way.
I don’t believe I saw such behavior by Princess Dianna’s family/friends after the suspicious accident that resulted in her and Dodi’s deaths. There was worldwide sorrow, and intensive investigation, but neither Dianna’s family nor Dodi’s advocated outright hype/hatred/anger. Both were beloved by thousands which, indeed, included their horrified and traumatized siblings, relatives, two brave children and particularly, in the case of Dodi, an adoring father. Both died in a land with laws and investigative processes different from their home countries. There were years of continued investigation and suspicion, but there were no pleas for the whole world to unite against a country, a suspect, the driver, or decisions of that government concerning the investigation.
No one is disputing that the Twitty’s situation is anything but tragic. No one faults them for wanting to discover the truth. But the end does not always justify the means, particularly when they are showing no concern or acceptance that current facts do not support their theories or “gut feelings.” To continue to use the public’s compassion as a tool to force their own desires on others displays an attitude that is based more on ego and aggression and is a misuse of the support the public had willingly given.
I pray that Beth and her husband can find their way back to God and His teachings and the faith they proclaim sustains them. It appears they mouth the words but do not feel the words deep in their hearts. If they did they would be demonstrating a sincere patience, understanding, and acceptance of the laws of Aruba and the rights of all others and would be following the examples set by Our Lord. They would not be ready to retaliate and put forth an expose according to what they feel they know or have observed simply to suit their own agenda and in the process attempt to condemn a whole system or government. They would pray for God to give them peace about the things they do not understand, and grace to deal with the outcome of any efforts. They would open themselves to God’s handling and not try to usurp the government’s authority, or God’s role in the midst of their crisis.
It was interesting to watch the mother of the Kalpoe brothers who, when being interviewed after the return of her sons showed neither anger nor condemnation, nor called names or was slanderous. Nor did she display an irritation when asked about Beth’s statement against her boys. She only said she was “disappointed” by the words, but did not even resort to mentioning Beth’s name when asked whom she was disappointed in. In her simple, calm, admirable, compassionate way, she projected a more Christ-like behavior than has been apparent with the Twitty family who have made loud noises proclaiming their faith while making demands and expecting worldwide retaliation and support.
Did Jessica Lunsford’s father call names? Did Elizabeth Smart’s father demand universal support of his efforts or desires or slander innocent people? Were their worries, fears, sorrows, and in the case of Mark Lunsford, his loss any less poignant? Those people maintained decorum, did not flaunt religious statements, nor criticize the investigative efforts – which, in the case of Jessica, right in our own country, have certainly proven to be far worse than those in Aruba.
Perhaps the Twittys don't like their daughter being called a slut and having her slandered by the last person to see her alive, could that be it?
And, frankly, till you've walked in her shoes, I don't think ANYBODY should be calling her un-Christian like.
I pray that Beth and her husband can find their way back to God
I find that VERY, VERY offensive.
Exactly what kind of Christianity is it that YOU are practicing?
Aren't you the sanctimonious outsider?
What's up with the people that think Arubans can't want to defend the,seves or their country/kingdom for nationalistic reasons, just like people in the US might.
Why do people think that only the people of the US are allowed to defend themseves and speak out against what they consider injustice? Why is it assumed that these people were 'bussed' in? Demonstrations are usually 'organized' by someone, even FREEP events are usually organized by someone.