It’s been a “Smite them, LORD!” kind of week.

I think the Lord is testing me on my most recent book, “Killer Conversations,” which is real, edgy, gritty, and addresses topics that can’t be turned into something sparkling and palatable like Jell-O. How can child abuse, child sexual abuse, rape and a serial killer be turned into comfort food? Nevertheless, Killer Conversations indisputably contains a strong Christian message…of not judging others.

The world celebrates Good Friday today. Jesus, who had never done anything wrong, was falsely accused. Jesus was whipped until His back was raw; had a crown of thorns pounded into His head; had His beard plucked out, and was spit upon, mocked and ridiculed. He was subjected to a bogus trial, found guilty, and nailed to a cross where He suffered horrendous agony before He died. Through it all, Jesus never fought back, never turned angry words against His tormenters. As He hung on the cross, Jesus said, “Forgive them, Father. They know not what they do.”

Wow!

So after departing from my usual bouncy, fun, entertaining Miz Mike mystery-romance-suspense books (Bridge to Nowhere & Bridge Beyond Betrayal) to pen a book like “Killer Conversations,” it would seem that God decided to test me and see if I really believed and was willing to live the premise of the book: “There but for the grace of God go I.” Instead of saying that this week, I have wanted to say, “Smite them, Lord! They’ve been mean!”

We all face human-spun ugliness at times in our lives that make us lust for revenge. When that happens, we need to remember Jesus, our example. He could have called legions of angels to war against His enemies and save Him from death on the cross. Instead, He bowed down His head and died that our sins might be forgiven and we might live forever.

So my Good Friday message to myself is: “Forgive them, Lord. They know not what they do.”

Message to self: no more departure books like Killer Conversations. Go back to funny Miz Mike. Laughter is good for the soul. Besides; the testing is a lot easier!

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