“I need to go. I need to write something intelligent. Something coherent anyway.”
This is my attempt at coherence.
Coherence in the midst of my usual overflowing task list.
Coherence in the midst of processing what I described yesterday as a dumpster fire.
I’ve cited this verse more than once lately …
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but not everything is constructive. No one should seek their own good, but the good of others. ~I Corinthians 10:23
The NIV titles this section The Believer’s Freedom. The Message translation puts an interesting spin on the entire passage. Worth a read.
Along with a handful of friends I solved all the problems of the world Wednesday night on our weekly Ragamuffin Google hangout. All of them. Trust me, I’m sure we know what we’re doing. Racism, boundaries, family relationships … we’ve got you covered. Maybe we should put up a Psychiatric Help 5¢ sign.
Some online interactions throughout this pandemic have been, well, beneficial. Others not so much, ranging from combative to just downright weird. It makes one wonder whether this bizarre period in our lives is making people’s true colors shine or if they’re just succumbing to the stress. Perhaps some of both.
As the saying goes, you can’t always control what happens to you, but you can control how you react.
Self-care is important. Healthy lifestyle habits and enough solitude for rest and reflection can help enable a healthy response to stressful situations. Socially distancing yourself from reality for more than a brief rest time … eh, not so much. You might find yourself playing the fiddle while Rome goes up in flames.
This week in the bustling metropolis of Columbus, Ohio, announcements have been made regarding the removal of two Christopher Columbus statues. Two that I know of so far. I have varying opinions on the removal of specific statues. Those who do not know history are doomed to repeat it, of course. On the other hand it’s possible some statues are truly offensive and need to go. I am concerned that we seem to require all people and all events throughout history be held up to the moral lens of modern sensibilities. Too often that lens is shaped by a narrative put forth by the media and whatever voice is screaming loudest, whether that narrative has been adequately fact checked or has anything to do with the truth. The mob mentality is riling up the lemmings all over the place these days.
As for me, Imma just keep seeking the truth.
Interesting personal stories worth your time, related to race relations …
Reflections from a Token Black Friend discusses one man’s (too common) experiences with both unconscious and overt racism.
Eric Metaxas interviewed two gentlemen with a Totally Insane Story of Racial Reconciliation. Although I had heard Eric’s name before, I didn’t become a fan until his recent appearance on this Dinner Conversations episode.
P.S. I’m pretty sure anarchy isn’t the answer to all our problems (#sorrynotsorry), so be careful what you call for canceling.
