In Good Company

Wednesday, Sept 21, Two men finished out their time on death row. Lawrence Russell Brewer, executed by lethal injection for the dragging death of a black man in Jasper Texas. Witnesses described Brewer as being in good spirits and joking with officers. His last meal: two chicken fried steaks, a triple-meat bacon cheeseburger, fried okra, a pound of barbecue, three fajitas, a pint of ice cream, a meat lovers pizza and a slab of peanut butter fudge with crushed peanuts.

Troy Davis was convicted of killing an off-duty police officer in 1989. Davis differed from Lawrence in that his last months to live caught the world's attention. Davis never wavered from his claim that he was innocent, and he passed on his last meal opportunity. His last day spent here on earth was with family and friends, and in prayer. 

What struck me was the contrast of their last day priorities. Lawrence, a convicted killer, sentenced to death with no remorse, jokes and caters to the God of his belly. 

Troy spent his last hours fasting,in prayer and with family.  His conduct spoke to me in a deep way. I don’t know the guy, but I find myself believing his profession of innocence. 

Recent articles of Davis spoke of prayer and faith. Photos show Davis with a what seemed to be an oversized, hand-made cross around his neck. 

Did we kill an innocent man? I don't know, but it's clear from the trial that Davis was hanging around with the wrong crowd. It's equally clear, there is little overwhelming evidence to enact the death penalty.

Whatever- guilt or innocence, the cross around Troy's neck tells a story. The story of Jesus, a man considered a minority, falsely brought to trial, false wittinesses were paid, despite many attesting to his innocence. The execution went through anyway.

Troy Davis has found himself in good company. 

“Unless you pick up your cross and follow me, you cannot be MY disciple” 

Live differently. Pastor Thomas