To the Editor:

I am writing this letter to the editor in response to the very public attack that is occurring against the young mother of quadruplets.

I have found it very heartless that Franklin, Southampton County, Isle of Wight and other local residents have decided that this young mother should come under attack because of increasing the size of her family.

If we are so upset that this young, unmarried woman has now become the mother of eight children, that is our personal cross to bear. What is now needed is not a cross burning or lynching of this young woman simply because of her circumstances or choices.

What now needs to occur is that we who call ourselves compassionate — or dare I say “Christians” — to rally around this family and provide the assistance that they so desperately will need in the days, months and years to come.

Where are the churches stepping forward to carry out the mission of reaching out to the lost or suffering? I have not seen one minister in any community quoted as reaching out to this family.

Where are the community leaders stepping forward to share the resources available to this family? Are we so busy covering up our underhandedness behind a facade of smiles and closed-door dealings that we forget that these are children who are suffering?

Before we point fingers at this young mother, let us examine ourselves. Are you so righteous in your own living that you can cast the first stone out of your own glass house?

If you claim that you are tired of your tax dollars supporting such a family, reach into your pocket and write a check to educate this young woman. Show her love and then she may not need to find fulfillment in the arms of someone who does not love her. Maybe if there are women willing to step forward as mentors this family can be saved.

What do I plan to do? I plan to lead the charge of people who instead of complaining about what Keisha Keyes should have done is now stepping forward to help her in the reality of her present and establish a better future for her family.

Besides, if Jesus can forgive our community for its history of wrongs (ex-slavery, lynchings, political corruption), why can’t He show mercy — through us — to Ms. Keyes and her family? Think about it.

Shania Alexander

Capron