Mum's the Word
Since today is Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, I'll start by talking about chrysanthemums, fall's colorful flower. They've been out front at Shaw's market for a few weeks. And inside Shaw's, orange bags of candy signal Halloween's coming. Time to buy mini versions of your favorites. The small size makes them kinda healthy. Or so I tell myself.
But with September comes school and with school, hopefully, comes learning. So, it's time to be teachable. And to seek wisdom. Listen to learn. However, there is a time to speak truth, but without name calling. And to remember that character counts. Ours and those to whom we entrust our vote. It's easy to spread or succumb to fear. But the Bible reminds us, "For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline." (II Timothy 1:7,NLT)
So be wary of people who spread fear and a false gospel promoting "a Christian nation." So, how are we to respond in times like these? Well, I took instruction today from Philip Yancey's thoughts in Grace Notes: "Jesus honored the dignity of every person, whether he agreed with them or not... A political movement by nature draws lines, makes distinctions, pronounces judgment; in contrast, Jesus' love cuts across lines, transcends distinctions, and dispenses Grace. Regardless of the merits of a given issue--whether a pro-life lobby out of the Right or a peace-and-justice lobby out of the Left--political movements risk pulling into themselves the mantle of power that smothers love."
Well, perhaps you've been warned, "Never talk about money, politics or religion" in polite society. However, G.K. Chesterton, English writer, philosopher and Christian apologist, wrote" I never discuss anything else except politics and religion. There is nothing else to discuss...nothing of importance can be separated entirely from its social effect, which is politics, or from its ultimate value, which is religion."
So, while mum's the word for fall, there are time's when to be mum is to give into fear. But when I speak or write, I ask for God's guidance to season my words with love and grace.
Or, if all else fails, grab one of those mini treats in that orange bag to sweeten my attitude. Any better ideas? Did someone yell, "APPLE" ?
12 Comments
I am writing tomorrow about being well-seasoned, Jan. And you are, even better than a much loved cast-iron pan! Learning is important to me, and it’s one of the many reasons I pay attention to every word you share.
Aw, thanks my Norwegian friend. I learn from you, as well, dear Maggie.
YUP....I said 'apple'.......but it is only eaten with the melted caramel on the side!!
Well, dear Valerie, you've got my number, for sure. Who can resist all that health gift wrapped in caramel. and stuck on a stick for easy chomping.
"That's no chrysanthemum, it's a rose!"
--Nope, not a rose!
'Tis so!
--No, it's a mum.
Fine, spell it!
--Umm...K...R...um...Y...ahmm..........by golly, it IS a rose!
Weren't you a biology major at Gordon? Well, no matter, I had to double check the spelling of "rose," too.
Always love hearing from you, Smitti. Hope to see you at Homecoming this year.
Thanks, Jan. I am praying for both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris that their hearts will turn to the Lord. One of them will be our next president, and we need a president who looks to the Lord for Wisdom. It’s all too easy for a President to think, as Nebuchadnezzar did, I am the king and I can do whatever I want. And look what happened to him!
Thanks, dear Mark. I'm praying, too. We are vulnerable to tangible gods. And get impatient when our Moses, whoever that is, doesn't show up fast enough. So we find an Aaron to fashion a golden calf, then party like there's no tomorrow. But there is tomorrow and consequences that come from our choices. Lord, have mercy.
Oh yes character counts so much! I love the Philip Yancy quote - not so much the G.K. Chesterton one - ha! :) And yes, Lord have mercy on our country and it's leaders, present and future.
And so we pray. I prefer Yancy's quote, too!! But Chesterton has a point. Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow.