The Fragility of Forgetfulness

Recent scandals, such as the fall of Theranos and Elizabeth Holmes, the #MeToo movement’s impact on Hollywood, and Lance Armstrong’s drug controversy, illustrate the fleeting nature of human success and the vulnerability of reputations. These events also reflect a deeper, universal truth about human nature: despite our achievements or perceived righteousness, all fall short of God's glory. Sin is not about wrongdoing but about the inherent gap between humanity's imperfection and God's holiness—an enduring separation acknowledged across cultures and religious teachings.

• The Fall of Theranos

• The #MeToo Movement

• Lance Armstrong

• The Cup That Bears the Name Jesus

The Fall of Theranos

Elizabeth Holmes, once hailed as Silicon Valley’s golden child for her revolutionary blood-testing technology at Theranos, experienced a dramatic fall. Her case mirrors a profound truth: despite our outward success or righteousness, we are all inherently flawed. Just as Holmes’ former reputation could not shield her from the consequences of sin, the Holy Scriptures teach that no one is immune to the fall. Ezekiel 33 highlights that righteousness is not permanent, and even the seemingly virtuous will fall, while salvation is always possible for those who turn to Christ. Psalm 51 and Genesis remind us that sin transcends mere actions and reflects a deeper truth. Like Holmes, people may present themselves as successful or virtuous, but the inherent gap between humanity and God’s holiness remains, and no amount of outward accomplishment can bridge that divide (Zengler).

The #MeToo Movement

Harvey Weinstein’s dramatic fall from power, sparked by the #MeToo movement, marks a turning point in Hollywood’s culture of impunity. His downfall, along with the collapse of other influential individuals, illustrates the severe outcomes of unchecked sin, but the fall of Hollywood is not the end but a new beginning (Tavernise).

The fall of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden did not break humanity's connection with God; instead, it marked the beginning of the journey toward self-actualization. The fall in Hollywood reveals our shared vulnerability and need for God's provision. While Jesus prayed in Gethsemane, where he accepted the "cup" of suffering, he contemplated the fallibility inherent in human nature while staying alert to God's faithfulness.

Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong’s fall, after years of denial and eventual admission of wrongdoing, serves as a stark reminder of the destructive power of sin. Once celebrated as a cancer survivor and cycling legend, Armstrong’s reputation was forever damaged. His story reveals that flaws are part of our nature, but they do not tell the whole story (Walker).

Christ, who bore the cup of suffering, offers a new cup—one of restoration and grace. In Romans 5:8, Paul reminds us that while we were yet sinners, Christ did not forget us. The Book of Mormon reflects this truth, highlighting that through Christ, God's love stays steadfast and invites us to rise up, relying on God's provisions and direction as we grow in a place of humility and repentance, remembering that even in our brokenness, God remains with us.

The Cup That Bears the Name Jesus

The tales of Elizabeth Holmes, Harvey Weinstein, and Lance Armstrong highlight the fragile nature of humanity and sin. They show us that even the most influential individuals are not immune to the consequences of sin. Sin extends far beyond the individual, affecting entire industries and communities. These stories underscore the critical need for God's provision and guidance across all fields.

Sin is not the failure to live up to God's nature but the failure to remember that humanity, while created in God’s image, is inherently distinct from God and fallible. Ezekiel 33, Psalm 51, and Alma 42 all remind us that no one is exempt from sin, regardless of their name or reputation. However, by partaking in the cup that bears Christ’s name, we are not only reminded of God's faithfulness, we are alert to our brokenness—so that in him, we are renewed, rising in a spirit of humility and repentance, acknowledging God as our provider.

Works Cited