Me & Tiger Woods

I was startled to hear all that’s gone on with Tiger Woods the past several days. My emotions have run the gamut of anger — at him, his wife, the media — to sorrow over the loss of so much for such temporary things.

Today, I’m being challenged by those in the world of Twitter (@jclayville for one) about giving Tiger some grace. I confess, I’m having a hard time with that. It’s probably because I’ve been the wife in this kind of situation — faithfully maintaining a home and what I thought was a marriage, only to find out that there was someone else. Twice. Hearing about this happening just brings up so much in my heart, it’s hard to ignore and pass by.

This is where walking the walk becomes a test. I’m angry at this man who was on top of the world, has a brilliant career in golf, millions of fans and devoted followers — many of whom are children — and a beautiful wife. And a girlfriend. Maybe more than one. I’m pretty sure that I would have been swinging one of his prize golf clubs at his head, too. Hurt that deep is hard to handle.  I’ve ranted several times about how he should just talk to law enforcement and deal with the problems around his wreck that has brought all this out into the open.

Today, Mr. Woods commented on his website:

I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.

Now, I must decide to walk a walk I talk about a lot. I have to move beyond my feelings and do what I know is right.

So, now I choose to extend grace.  I choose to say to the media and the gossip-hungry public:

Leave the man and his family alone. It’s none of your business. Sure, he’s a public figure. Sure you might want to talk to your kids about how people can make mistakes and he’s made a doozy, but don’t gripe about not getting all the juicy details. Stop Googling for pictures and more dish.

Just stop.  You don’t deserve the grace and forgiveness you’ve received either. Neither do I. But we are expected to extend it. Now’s a fine time to start.

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