• "Gov. Sanford admits to extramarital affair"
• "Giving the green light to suicide"
• "Huckabee and Stewart on abortion"
• "Tenn. Planned Parenthood loses gov't funding"
• "I Would Die for You: Life and death of a 15-year-old missionary"
• "Selflessness Amid Tragedy Offers Solace"
• "Ideas Online, Yes, but Some Not So Presidential"
• "The uninsured: A bogus excuse for trillions in new welfare spending"

Comments

[Rolley Haggard]

Re Governor Sanford....

A statement (admirably balanced, in my opinion) from the Palmetto Family Council here in Columbia, SC (my home since 1971) --

"Today, South Carolinians received some very disappointing news from Governor Mark Sanford. At an afternoon news conference, the Governor expressed deep regret for an extra-marital affair that has taken place over the past year of his life and the deception that has played out over the last week during his absence from the state.

We at Palmetto Family Council are saddened by this news. The traditional family, grounded in the fidelity of marriage, is the bedrock of society. Any deliberate act which contributes to the breakdown of this social cornerstone is a crime against not only those in his family but against society itself. We are shocked by these events, and yet as the voice for biblical values in public life, we are encouraged by the apparent forthrightness of Governor Sanford's remarks, his desire to relate the truth, and the contrition with which he made his announcement.

In this difficult time for Governor Sanford's family and for all South Carolinians, let us take this opportunity to encourage each other to be in prayer for Governor and Mrs. Sanford and their four sons.

Pray that God will begin the healing process, the reconciliation, and the restoration of their marriage...and that in all things every member of the First Family will put their family first.

That's an important goal for all of us."

(Note - the Palmetto Family Council is the local association for Focus on the Family and the Family Research Council).

http://www.palmettofamily.org/

[Rolley Haggard]

More on Gov. Mark Sanford...

His wife, Jenny, released this statement yesterday afternoon.

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"I would like to start by saying I love my husband and I believe I have put forth every effort possible to be the best wife I can be during our almost twenty years of marriage. As well, for the last fifteen years my husband has been fully engaged in public service to the citizens and taxpayers of this state and I have faithfully supported him in those efforts to the best of my ability. I have been and remain proud of his accomplishments and his service to this state.

I personally believe that the greatest legacy I will leave behind in this world is not the job I held on Wall Street, or the campaigns I managed for Mark, or the work I have done as First Lady or even the philanthropic activities in which I have been routinely engaged. Instead, the greatest legacy I will leave in this world is the character of the children I, or we, leave behind. It is for that reason that I deeply regret the recent actions of my husband Mark, and their potential damage to our children.

I believe wholeheartedly in the sanctity, dignity and importance of the institution of marriage. I believe that has been consistently reflected in my actions. When I found out about my husband's infidelity I worked immediately to first seek reconciliation through forgiveness, and then to work diligently to repair our marriage. We reached a point where I felt it was important to look my sons in the eyes and maintain my dignity, self-respect, and my basic sense of right and wrong. I therefore asked my husband to leave two weeks ago.

This trial separation was agreed to with the goal of ultimately strengthening our marriage. During this short separation it was agreed that Mark would not contact us. I kept this separation quiet out of respect of his public office and reputation, and in hopes of keeping our children from just this type of public exposure. Because of this separation, I did not know where he was in the past week.

I believe enduring love is primarily a commitment and an act of will, and for a marriage to be successful, that commitment must be reciprocal. I believe Mark has earned a chance to resurrect our marriage.

Psalm 127 states that sons are a gift from the Lord and children a reward from Him. I will continue to pour my energy into raising our sons to be honorable young men. I remain willing to forgive Mark completely for his indiscretions and to welcome him back, in time, if he continues to work toward reconciliation with a true spirit of humility and repentance.

This is a very painful time for us and I would humbly request now that members of the media respect the privacy of my boys and me as we struggle together to continue on with our lives and as I seek the wisdom of Solomon, the strength and patience of Job and the grace of God in helping to heal my family."

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Sin makes the headlines. Grace, as characterized in this, is lucky to get a byline next to the obits.