#kidsdontknow

Wednesday Wisdom: Romans 12:18, Matthew 22:39

/ roylayman / Leave a comment

News and social media look a lot like a really long episode of Jerry Springer minus the big bald dude to separate the crazies 🥴 (#kidsdontknow) But something I’ve observed— the deeply divided, mean-spirited people I often see represented on those outlets are NOT the people I encounter on a daily basis in our communities 🤨 Given the opportunity we get along pretty well!

I’m not saying that differences don’t exist, or that people arent really mad or that it’s all being made up. They sure look genuinely mad to me! 😅 What I’m proposing is that while we stay aware of some deep divisions in our nation we not overlook (and enjoy) some unity and good will among actual people in close proximity around us.

Here’s one of my concerns — that we try to emulate what we see on TV. We see 2 opposite sides depicted. We feel forced or obligated to take a side. THEN, we go looking for our opponent/perceived enemy in the people we know and have had a good civil relationship with up to now, and (at least in our mind) start villainizing them and working against them. The thing about looking for something? You tend to find what you are looking for, even if it wasn’t there.

But let’s assume it is there. Let’s assume that the bad ideology and position you saw presented on the news REALLY is the one held by your neighbor. They’re still your neighbor! We don’t relate to each other like 2 faces on a screen from a news network or 2 blue check marks on Twitter. We can actually talk to one another about differences, exercise patience, share life and think through things together. I’m in NO WAY suggesting we compromise truth or convictions. Stand firm! I’m suggesting we live with each other in a way that allows truth and our convictions to be communicated and received — not like many of the examples we see on TV and in News Feeds.

Hey, y’all know I’ve got a Bible verse for this 😆 Here’s a couple:

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. – Romans 12:18

You shall love your neighbor as yourself. – Matthew 22:39

#WednesdayWisdom

Better Man In 2021

/ roylayman / Leave a comment

This morning as I was thinking about 2020 and looking forward to 2021, of all the things that could occupy my mind a less than spiritual but catchy song from 1989, Better Man by Clint Black. Check out these lyrics:

🎶 I know I’m leavin’ here a better man

For knowin’ you this way

Things I couldn’t do before now I think I can

And I’m leavin’ here a better man 🎶

#KidsDontKnow right? 😂

Like y’all, this year has been a challenge for our fam. I know it’s been MUCH harder for many of y’all. And the depth of hurt can’t be expressed on social media, even if you tried. But while the hurt’s been deep His grace has been deeper! We’re coming out of 2020 with our faith intact and with a deeper dependence on God by faith in Jesus. Better.

Clint Black’s song was about a relationship that’d gone bad, I was thinking of it in reference to a year that, by many measures, had gone bad. But has it gone bad? Of course when I look at the circumstances comparatively I’d have to say “oh that’s bad.” But since I believe in a sovereign, providential God, I also believe that it’s gone just as planned. And even when I don’t see how, everything happens for a purpose. And I believe that for those who love God all things work together for GOOD (Rom 8:28). I do love God, so much. I know He’s good. I hope and pray you do too. Because if so, we can look back and say we are leaving 2020 “a better man” and know that ultimately it’s been for good.

I like Clint Black, but God in His word says it so much better:

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:2-4

Bring it on, 2021. Whatever it holds, we know who holds the future!

#2020 #GodIsGood #BetterMan #KidsDontKnow