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O.J. Simpson’s family confirmed that the once football legend has died of cancer. At the age of 78, Orenthal James (O.J.) Simpson passed away “surrounded by his children and grandchildren” (according to a statement on Simpson’s X account). Don't forget, he has a family and that family is innocent and grieving. Pray for their peace.
Simpson gained fame during his 11 seasons in the NFL, mostly with the Buffalo Bills. His name and face took on a whole new meaning of notoriety during the murder trial of his ex-wife (Nicole Brown) and her friend (Ronald Goldman). He was found not guilty of the murders, but later was sued for wrongful death. (a lawsuit he lost).
It is disturbing to me how many people throughout social media are joyful and celebrating his death. Many are proclaiming he is “going to hell” or condemning him to hell for “what he done”. As Christians, we hold to the truth that every life has dignity, value, and worth. It does not matter what that person has done or not done. It doesn’t matter if we like them or view them as a monster. It doesn’t matter what we think. God creates every single person with an inherent value and worth that he solidified on the cross of Calvary.
We are to be different. Matthew 5:13 says “you are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.” We should be asking others to join us in praying for the repose of his soul. St. Peter writes that the Lord does not “want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance”. We do not know if O.J. repented before his death. We do not know the state of his soul. We do not even know if he is guilty of the crimes so many people believe he conducted. What we do know, however, according to the God’s Holy Word is that Christ does not desire for anyone (including Simpson) to spend eternity in hell.
We know hell is a reality and countless souls have been condemned to the eternal place of torment because of their sins and refusal to repent. I encourage you, as you see so many on social media cheering and celebrating O.J.’s death, to ask them to pray for his soul. We can be the salt of the earth simply by praying for his soul and asking others to join us. Jesus died for the soul of O.J. Simpson on the cross of Calvary just like he did for you and for me.
“Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.”
Amelia Monroe Carlson graduated from the University of North Alabama with a Bachelor’s Degree in journalism. Being raised as a Methodist during her early years, it was not until she entered college where she began to take her faith seriously. She was baptized as a Southern Baptist in Muscle Shoals, AL and began immediately serving in international missions and in the church.
During college, she became the Co-founder of an International Ministry, where she spent time traveling and speaking to church groups and in large conferences. She authored a Bible study and traveled abroad on mission work. She sat on the Mid-South Interfaith Conferences in Mississippi, where she defended the faith and discussed beliefs with leaders of various religions.
After a business trip to Washington D.C., where she was introduced to a former Baptist who converted to the Catholic Church, she was placed on a journey to enter into the Catholic Church.
Amelia is a military wife and currently residents with her husband and daughter in Tennessee. She is a nine time award winning journalist, receiving press awards for various categories including investigative journalism, best news coverage, and best single feature. It is her desire to help Catholics, particularly Cradle Catholics, see the beauty in their faith which converts see and appreciate the fullness of truth which the Church has held and guarded throughout history. It is her desire all Catholics fall as much in love with Jesus as she is, and love the Church to a greater capacity than they could imagine.
Amelia taught PRE for 4-6 grade at St. Mary Catholic Church in Bolivar, Tennessee from 2014-2016. She served as Youth Director at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church in Somerville, Tennessee in 2017-2018. She now teaches 7th grade (1st year Confirmation) PRE class at St. Philip. She's also a writer and frequent podcast guest on Our Warpath.
She has a strong devotion to Our Lady of Guadalupe, St. Francis de Sales, St. Padre Pio and St. Maximilian Kolbe.
To contact Amelia for speaking inquiries at conferences, retreats, or parishes contact her via social media on Facebook (Amelia Monroe Carlson), Twitter (@2_catholic ) or send a text to: (731)518-6923.
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ameliamcarlson
Twitter: @2_catholic (Catholic ministry account)
Twitter personal account: @ameliamcarlson
