Metaphors in Faith

 For many years, I have felt one of the best explanations of my belief in God is the metaphor of the spirit of God is like the wind. One can't touch the wind or directly see the wind, but you certainly can see the affects of it on a fall day when it works to free the leaves from the trees. The wind exists, it is real. God exists even though we don't see God face to face we still see the action that takes place when God is at work. 

You can speak to the wind and your voice will likely be carried away, but when you speak to God you know you will be heard. I also am reminiscent of an old song (1972) that I really loved as a young girl. It is by Rick Springfield: Speak to the Sky:

Speak to the sky when ever things go wrong

And you know you're not talkin' to the air, to the air

And the world will look better from up there

Speak to the sky 'cause things can get ya down

And you know when you're talkin' to the Lord, to the Lord

The world will look better than before......

It's all right

Cause I speak to the sky every night.

 A multi-layered metaphor I think...and speaking to the sky is a wonderful metaphor for prayer. 

As a writer, I seek to use the English language to the very best of my ability.  That being said, I have frequently confused metaphors and similes.  In researching the topic, I have found that it is very easy to mix up the two figures of speech.  They have slight distinctions. A metaphor is a figure of speech that uses an implied comparison to draw a connection between two  unrelated things, thereby making them easier to understand. A simile uses comparative words ( "like" and "such as") whereas metaphors do not.  An example of a simile would be: " She had cheeks like roses." Then of course it's fun to think about what happens with the use of "mixed metaphors." There are an abundance of those that can be quite entertaining. Here's a few fun ones:

• Don’t judge a book before it’s hatched.
• Until the pigs freeze over.
• "But unfortunately for yours truly, that train has sailed." (Austin Powers)

So you can have great fun with mixed metaphors, but metaphors may also help to demonstrate concepts and a greater understanding of valuable life lessons. Including, of course, a greater understanding of how God leads us to living better lives and in turn a better global community.

Just think of all the lessons taught by Jesus through the use of parables.  In many of these stories the parables themselves could be considered extended metaphors that Jesus used to make a point.  I bet right off the top of your head you can think of many including: The Tree and it's Fruit (Matthew 12:33-37), The Sower and the Seed (Matthew 13:3-9) The Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-42) and The Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-42)  These parables and metaphors really helped to provide a pathway for learning the lessons that Jesus was trying to convey.

Another of my favorite metaphors is found in Isiah 64:8: But now, O Lord, you are our Father, we are the clay, and you are out potter, we are all the work of your hand." 

So this meets the definition of a metaphor because we are not literally clay, but God molds us and guides us in certain ways. If we are open to suggestion and allowing God to mold us, and guide us, great things can come about.

Probably one of the most famous metaphors in the Bible, which brings comfort to many followers of Jesus is found in Psalms23:1: "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." 

This metaphor, placing humanity as sheep, is meant to emphasize that we need guidance in our lives and protection by the shepherd.  This particular parallel is found in several places. Remember the story of the Lost Sheep? (Luke 15:3-7)  This particular passage brings assurance that God will not forget any of his followers, even if we stray from the flock. I for one, sometimes have felt like a lost sheep at various times in my life. Haven't we all?

Not only do we learn from metaphors, but I believe the artistic and creative use of metaphors in our language can make learning easier and also a delight. 

Rising to the Challenge: Memorizing Scripture

As a young girl, I remember (not necessarily fondly) having to memorize several piano music pieces for recitals. It was challenging and fun and probably “good for me”, but I just couldn’t see it at that time. Performing in front of my peers and several judges was also pretty nerve racking. Nevertheless, the act of memorizing itself did bring me a feeling of accomplishment.

Flash forward to today and I do enjoy memorizing things, but for different reasons.  I have also found out that working at memorization is physiologically good for your brain.  The older I get, I want to make sure I exercise that part of my body as well.  So for exercising our brains, and the strength of our faith, memorizing Scripture is a great way to achieve both those things. 

Several Christian leaders and influential teachers have shown us the benefits of memorizing scripture. The prolific author Chuck Swindoll writes:

 “I know of no other single practice in the Christian life more rewarding, practically speaking, than memorizing Scripture. . . . No other single exercise pays greater spiritual dividends! Your prayer life will be strengthened. Your witnessing will be sharper and much more effective. Your attitudes and outlook will begin to change. Your mind will become alert and observant. Your confidence and assurance will be enhanced. Your faith will be solidified” (Growing Strong in the Seasons of Life, 61).

The benefits of Memorization are well documented, but additional benefits to memorizing specifically Scripture also provide unique benefits as well.  I found an interesting blog that helps to provide inspiration for memorizing and studying scripture. It is called In The Mirror of God and can be found at: https://inthemirrorofgod.com/  She details many benefits from memorizing scripture including:

·        It builds your Faith

·        It keeps you from Sin

·        It Equips you for Spiritual warfare

·        It keeps your Mind at Peace

·        It Helps you know Biblical Truth & Keeps you from Error

She also provides on this blog several methods to help you memorize scripture and ways to enrich your life as a Christian.

So, since we all know the benefits of scripture memorization, I would encourage all of us to share our favorites with each other.  Perhaps you will find a new one that you would like to rise to the challenge of memorizing. For the record, here are a few of my very favorites that I almost have memorized. I will keep working on them:

Psalm 4:8: In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.  

Philippians 4:6-7: Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Matthew 6:26 :Look at the birds of the air: they do not sow or reap or gather into barns--and yet your heavenly Father feeds them.  Are you not much more valuable than they?  

Psalm 86:7 : In the Day of trouble I will call to you, for you will answer me.

Hebrews 11:1  Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.

Looking forward to hearing about your favorites. You can email me at: Julieetta05@gmail.com or you can respond on this blog. I check my blogs regularly.

 Thanks! Julie

Can we Legislate Morality?

Can we Legislate Morality? This is an age-old question that has been kicked around since our Founding Fathers were drafting the Constitution and had extensive discussions on just how this young country should be operated.   This question recently resurfaced to me in light of the recent horrific shooting in Uvalde Texas, where 19 children and two teachers were killed.  Like many people I am incredibly shocked, saddened and my heart goes out to all the families.  I can't imagine their pain.  Why on earth would a person kill innocent children?  It goes beyond our understanding. Yet, in the days that follow, we ask and sadly ask AGAIN...what can be done to stop this killing that has become much too frequent in our lives? Now monumental discussions on the topic of gun control are everywhere we turn.

I was originally introduced to the philosophical debate of Legislating Morality in a political science class I took called: Politics, Law & Morals.  It was probably one of the best and most thought-provoking class I took.  Even though it was quite a few years ago, many of the debates still remain. We discussed abortion, gay rights, euthanasia and yes....gun control. And here we are today, grappling with many of the same issues.  This also came to mind with the recent discussions on Roe v. Wade.  I thought that was settled a long time ago. Apparently not. But don't get me started on that....perhaps that is a blog for another day.

What boggles my mind is the argument that you can't legislate morality. In my opinion, it is more a matter of semantics.  Laws can be passed to help formulate citizens into what the general population feels is "good and moral". Martin Luther King had some good insights on the subject:

“Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be regulated. Judicial decrees may not change the heart, but they can restrain the heartless.”― Martin Luther King Jr.

Martin Luther King was very wise in terms of how legislation can be used to help, in some ways, to reign in some of the terrible acts that inevitably happen in our society.  Many laws that are passed, do indeed protect and defend the moral codes that are generally accepted by the society. Then again, what moral standard do legislators follow if there are interests and rights that are in conflict? Right now I am thinking of gun control, gun owners rights and all the violence that is perpetuated in the last few years. How can it possibly be resolved to make all the people happy all the time?  Can it be accomplished without infringing on citizen's amendment rights?

There are no easy answers, it is a very complex issue.  Yet I believe more questions need to be asked if we ever can have hope of finding concrete solutions.

When thinking about the basis of law and legislation, legislation is formed by ethics and morality.  Morality stems from religion.  Yet, the definition of the moral law would depend on what society and or religion you are using as a benchmark. Is it Christianity, Hindu, Islam, Humanism?  True, many of the world religions that are used as the basis for determining moral law have more similarities than differences. Yet, differences are there and what do you use to formulate the law by still respecting the citizenries moral (and religious) beliefs?  It's a tough call, it really is.  Particularly in this melting pot country of ours.  Our forefathers prided themselves on all the freedoms we established for ourselves, but sometimes managing those freedoms for everyone brings many new challenges. If there is a will there is a way, I hope we can make things better.

Specifically, getting back to the terrible problem of gun violence in this country, I know several ideas have been tried.  I personally feel starting with the issue of mental health is incredibly important.  So many of these shootings were instigated by young people with mental health issues that had gone undiagnosed.  My thoughts are that if our schools (and church Sunday school programs, perhaps) could include a curriculum that emphasized not only good physical health but mental health.  Granted, my own children have been out of the school system for many years and I do not have a direct link to my local school system. 

 Nevertheless, I am sure improvements could be made to help students and adults understand that maintaining your mental health is JUST as important as your physical health.  The stigma of having to help (or fix a problem) with  your mental health has got to change in this country.   It took me many years to be able to say : "I have Bi- Polar disorder.  I take medication and I am dealing with it...." 

It's not something to be ashamed of. The chemicals in my brain are just different than others.  I remember my doctor telling me: "If you were diabetic you take insulin...so this is just something you do to help you function well."  I wish more people realized this, and stopped thinking that mental illness is such a stigma...something not to be discussed. So I think a good start would be education and changes in the curriculum.  When I was in school, the issue that prompted change in the curriculum was sexism and expectations for boys and girls. All the girls took home economics and the boys took shop, that was just what we were "supposed" to do. Well, I was one of the first girls who took shop class and I actually learned many life skills.  By the time my sons were in school, no matter what sex you were...home economics and shop classes were available to everyone. It benefitted everyone. Wouldn't  mandatory classes to gain an understanding of how to maintain good mental health and how to ask for help if you need it be incredibly helpful? There is progress being made: a recent article published on the NEA (National Education Association) site reported on recent legislation:

In the wake of the pandemic and the mass shootings, Senators Murphy and Cassidy, who are members of the U.S. Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, said there is growing support for their legislation to reauthorize the federal mental health and substance use disorder programs signed into law in 2016 as part of their Mental Health Reform Act. It is set to expire in September of this year. The new legislation, the Mental Health Reform Reauthorization Act of 2022 (S.4170) addresses COVID-19’s devastating impact on the national mental health crisis, especially among children, by building upon the 2016 legislation to improve and expand those programs. 

“The bill provides resources to increase pipelines for mental health professionals by expanding training for those who might not traditionally be providers, like pediatricians,” said Cassidy. He said it also calls for increased resources for school-based clinics to provide counseling and mental health services, expanding access through increased distribution of telehealth appointments, and that it will build more coordinated care programs so that students receive what are called “wrap around services” that include home, school, healthcare and community touchpoints.

Kudos to the people that are trying hard to find workable solutions. I know these are questions that have been asked before, but until some workable solutions can be found...we have to keep searching. And we must continue to support the working professionals...from police officers, EMTs, teachers, clergy, medical personnel and many others who are just trying to get the job done. We must continue to Search and Pray for remedies.  Here's hoping and praying for better health for all of us in Mind, Body and Soul

Not Folk Tales, but rather Faith

 There's an age old saying that when a Cardinal comes to visit you, it's a departed loved one coming to reassure you and a signal that they are at peace.  I always thought this was a lovely comfort to those that are grieving, but in the back of my mind it felt like mourners "grasping at straws" to find somewhere to get comfort during the grieving process.  Well, I now feel a little differently because I can now say: "It happened to me" and became a demonstration of my faith at a time when I really needed it. 

 After my Mom's Memorial service, my husband and I were leaving the hotel we were staying at and putting our bags in the trunk.  The sun was shining, and the birds were chirping away as we made our way to the van. My husband looked at a nearby tree and said," Oh Look, Julie....a Cardinal." I gazed up and saw a tree filled with at least a dozen black birds and one lone Cardinal. I immediately thought of the "when a recently departed loved one comes to visit" story.  It was surreal but in a strange way comforting to me. The tears started to flow, and I looked up and said, "Hi Mom." I knew I had to regain my composure, so I could drive. By the time I wiped my tears and collected myself, I looked up and all the branches were bare. 

Thinking pragmatically, even if you don't believe that a Cardinal is literally the spirit of a loved one it gives me comfort in knowing that, and believing that, the Holy Spirit is at work here.  Sometimes things that happen in our lives just can't be explained away and categorized as coincidence. Matters of faith and matters of the heart are well....just that: taken by faith.

My faith has renewed my spirit and helped me through many things in my life.  Most recently, it has helped and is continuing to provide comfort for the grieving process. Many Bible verses address GRIEF, but this is one of my favorites that encourages hope for tomorrow:

"Weeping may remain for a night, but joy comes in the morning" Psalms 30:5

This simple verse says to me that weeping and grief are indeed part of the process, but there is hope for tomorrow.

Those of us that are left behind when our loved ones pass, take comfort in knowing that the memory of them is still with us, always a part of us.  The following poem was read at my Mom's service and helps us to find comfort in the fact that YES, we will remember:

‘We Remember Them’ by Sylvan Kamens & Rabbi Jack Riemer

At the rising sun and at its going down; We remember them.
At the blowing of the wind and in the chill of winter; We remember them.
At the opening of the buds and in the rebirth of spring; We remember them.
At the blueness of the skies and in the warmth of summer; We remember them.
At the rustling of the leaves and in the beauty of the autumn; We remember them.
At the beginning of the year and when it ends; We remember them.
As long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as We remember them.

When we are weary and in need of strength; We remember them.
When we are lost and sick at heart; We remember them.
When we have decisions that are difficult to make; We remember them.
When we have joy we crave to share; We remember them.
When we have achievements that are based on theirs; We remember them.
For as long as we live, they too will live, for they are now a part of us as, We remember them.

It's a wonderful reminder that time marches on, but we can still remember our loved ones and they continue to be a part of our lives. Good choice of poems, Mom.

So when you see a Cardinal, no matter what the circumstance, I hope you find JOY in the beauty of seeing it. Take a few moments to think of someone you have loved and lost. 

 

 

Drop the Knife

It's always great to start a tough topic with humor. Humor really is the best medicine. So when discussing anger management, I enjoyed this cartoon with Helda and her troubles...good thing she is in a support group. 

 Sometimes anger and frustration can do nothing more than inflict pain upon yourself and not the intended target and/or source of your anger. I was thinking about this topic lately and this brought to my mind a blog I wrote several years ago about the frustration of being Ignored. The blog specifically addressed the frustration of not hearing back from editors about the publishing of articles I had submitted and being "ignored". In the article I had drawn a parallel from the movie Fatal Attraction.  In the film, Michael Douglas has a happy life with a successful career and a lovely wife until things get complicated when he has a steamy affair with Glenn Close.  Douglas wants the fling to be just a fling and tries to sever the relationship, but Close will hear nothing of that. She wants him all to herself and begins stalking him and his family with the intention of getting what she wants. It's an unsettling movie that really reflects the darker side of obsessive behaviors and the creepier side of "love gone wrong".  

 An image in that movie keeps coming back to me when I obsess a little too much about communications with people.  In the movie, Glenn Close is getting deeper and deeper into her obsession and doing nastier things then just calling and hanging up.  The specific scene that comes to mind is Close approaching Douglas with a knife in hand. Her argument with him comes to a boiling point and she declares: "I'm  NOT going to be ignored!", while at the same time psychotically digging the knife repeatedly into her own leg while walking towards him. Yikes, I know....pretty gruesome, but it does get your attention and it got his attention.

Now I would not take a knife to my leg in frustration from being ignored, but sometimes my frustration from not hearing back from people or getting a response that is not what I expected....well...it makes me go a little bit crazy. 

Yet this inward turning anger and resentment has applied to other aspects of my life besides just being frustrated with editors and my writing life. With some of the stresses I have experienced in my life lately: most notably helping my Mom to transition to an assisted living apartment, my frustration that has turned inward only seems to hurt myself.   Holding on to anger or frustration, as opposed to honest discussions does not really help any situation, except it only hurts yourself. Just like the insightful Buddhist quote here, such anger usually doesn't accomplish what we anticipate it will.

  Also like the Fatal Attraction example, in frustration and bitter resentment I am only hurting myself so I am learning to Drop the Knife. I am learning that. Also sometimes it is good to be ignored...you can find peace. Some personalities, myself included, crave attention and of course I prefer good attention; positive reinforcement.  But when the attention is negative...well..that kind of attention is not so widely welcomed. There is a certain level of life experiences that have brought me to the understanding that to be ignored is sometimes a GOOD thing.  It can bring you a certain sense of peace and frankly exempt you from some of life's unpleasant circumstances.

When I am stressed, feeling resentment or anger, I do pray for clarity and peace. I collected a few of my "anger management" verses from the Bible in helping me in this endeavor. Here are a few of my favorites:

James 1:19-21  Know this, my beloved brothers: Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.

 Proverbs 14:29  He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalts folly.

Proverbs 29:11 Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. 

This last one is my favorite. There is no denying that we get angry and have resentment, we are only human. Yet working to not give "full vent" to our rage and striving for calm almost always brings a better solution. So I am working on many things in my life to "Drop the Knife" and in doing so, finding a better sense of CALM.

Looking for the Silver Lining

 

" I got that sunshine in my pocket
Got that good soul in my feet......Feeling good, good, creeping up on you
So just dance, dance, dance
Come on"   

                 "Can't Stop the Feeling" by Justin Timberlake

 I just had to lead this with one of my favorite feel good songs.  We could all use a little bit of feeling good about right now. Everybody knows what we are grappling with in American life right now...I don't need to list the variety of things that 2020 has brought upon us.  So many things have come to crush our spirits and make it hard some days to put one foot in front of the other.  So when something comes along that can lift our spirits....I feel it is worthy of note. Something that can bring a word of encouragement, lifts you up,  and then leaves you with a little sunshine in your pocket.

I felt compelled to write this blog because of an inspirational sermon by our Pastor today. Pastor Garth has a way of inspiring others and also encouraging us to think about things that perhaps we might not have thought about. Today was a perfect example of sometimes we have to be prodded to think about  things that might otherwise be considered inconsequential. 

Our Pastor today talked about our God given talents and how we can use them to not only improve our own lives, but the lives of the people we touch. Most people find it hard to identify their own talents. One has to look long and hard within and be honest with yourself in finding those talents. Garth explained that proclaiming your talents is not bragging, but rather it is holding yourself accountable for using the gifts that God has given you.   An important verse highlighting this is from 1 Peter 4:10  As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace.

So today's sermon inspired me to look hard at my talents and see what I could do to help utilize them.  As it has been said, the hardest thing of all is determining first what your talent is before you put it to work.  So here I am at the keyboard, working away at what I perceive is one of my talents. I have yet to write the next "Great American novel", but I think sometimes I manage to put some thought provoking words on paper.

So when I was younger, I remember several relatives telling me Julie had the "gift of gab". Somehow that gift has transformed into a gift for storytelling and writing (with the modern day version of 2 blogs). I still find it hard to think of myself as a "talented" writer, but if I can use that gift or talent to inspire or encourage others than without a doubt...I will. 

Another gift I have, I often try to interweave in my writing:Optimism. I have frequently been told that I have a gift, or talent, of looking at the bright side and looking for the proverbial silver lining. I think it is a good thing to be more positive, but one also needs to be practical and have a pragmatic approach sometimes. Looking through the world always through rose colored glasses can blind you to the dangers that inevitability exist in our world. Yet, looking for the positive can help to diminish those things in the world that can pull us down. I am not a Polly Anna, but a Realist.  I try to use both my gifts of optimism and writing in a way as to hopefully help those that I can.  And I believe the glass is always half full. Cheers!

What do you do on a Rainy Day?

As I write these words, it’s 90 degrees, humid and the scorching sun is burning all the grass up and down our block. So the thought of some cooling rain sounds pretty good right now. Yet, I am using the Rainy Day metaphor to compare it to our current situation of the 2020 Corona virus requiring us to “shelter in place” and keep our social distancing when we are required to go out.  Well, the COVID 19 has become our “Rainy Day” (or more accurately months…) Of course I understand the necessity of quarantining ourselves to stop the spread of the virus, but to me it seems reminiscent of being stuck in the house on a rainy day. Both kids and parents can understand the frustration of being cooped up too long. Also think back when you were a little kid inside on a rainy day…what types of indoor fun did you participate in?

So here are a few fun ideas to try to help us all get through these “Rainy Days”:

•   Movie night: pull out those DVDs or the modern version might be finding some favorites on Netflix. 
•   Cook something special, what a perfect time to try a new recipe. Although sometimes cooking an old favorite can be beneficial too. Ahhh, nothing like a favorite cookie recipe and it’s not even Christmas yet!
•  Dance Party: Put on your favorite music and get the wiggles out. As they say: Dance like no one’s looking!
•  If there are young kids in your household….how about a blanket fort- remember those as a kid? So fun to construct your very only little place.
•  Pull out the board games and puzzles that have not been tried in awhile.
•  Take this time to pursue your favorite craft or hobby.  As a scrapbooker, I have completed ooodles of work on my albums during this time of “shelter in place.” It also might be a good time to start up a new hobby. Inspired by our church youth group, I painted and put inspirational words on various rocks. They have become a nice addition to my garden.
•   And last, but certainly not least, take a few minutes every day to read scriptures, your favorite devotional book and remember the Lord with prayer. These are tough times we are going through, but seeking shelter in our faith helps to keep us going.

Psalm 46:1-2 – "God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea."  

Finding Joy

I am an avid list maker, to the point of obsession. It helps keep my Bi-Polar brain on track and everyone has to admit, there is a great deal of satisfaction in crossing items off your list upon completion. I always loved this meme about adding "Drink Coffee" on one's to do list. Now I have another item I would like to add to the very top of the list: Find Joy. On the surface, seems like a trivial task and there are days when...we know the ones, when it seems like an insurmountable task. Yet, when you add it to the to do's everyday, it's amazing when you not only cross it off your list, but can add tally marks for the joy you can find in every day life.

Even the seemingly littlest thing can be magnified to a truly Joyful moment in your day, especially when you are actively seeking JOY. Today I saw a black squirrel burrowing in about 5 inches of snow today. His black fur was easy to spot against the new fallen snow and he was so comical to watch because he kept popping up and down. Either burying nuts or seeking some...he was so entertaining to watch. Made me smile, and to me, that is joyful. In the craziness of everyday life, it helps heal us when we look for the joy. It helps diminish the pain and make all the not so pleasant tasks a little more bearable. Finding JOY and recognizing those things that bring us joy help to generate gratitude. Then when we are grateful, it in turn creates JOY. Its cyclical.

Today is the first day of Advent on the Christian calendar.  Advent means "coming" in Latin and as Christians we are preparing our hearts and minds for the coming of the celebration of the birth of Christ.  John the Baptist proclaimed this coming in Mark 1 2-3:  As it is written in the prophet Isaiah, "See I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way; the voice of one crying out in the wilderness: 'Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.' "
It is also the beginning of the stressful season with all those TO-DO lists that will most likely weave their way into everyone's lives these days.  Things we do to "prepare the way of the Lord.."

Set up tree...shop for gifts...prepare for Christmas party...bake cookies...plan Christmas meals...set-up guest rooms...write Christmas letter and cards..... (just to name a few)

The holiday season is different for everyone, perhaps everyone's lists have different priorities, but I believe that we could all benefit by adding Find Joy to our lists.
Yet, sometimes as Christians we forget what the beauty of the season is all about: celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Yes, it's obvious....but sometimes we need to bring back the GRATITUDE  for blessings and bring back the JOY. 

 

I personally find encouragement in seeking joy, it helps make the rough part of our journey more tolerable. So I will try to find the Joy in the every day....even if it is a little squirrel frolicking in the snow.   Julie Etta Smith

 

Compass Choices: Finding the Moral Compass

There is so much talk of late, including concerns of our current President's "Moral Compass", that one can't help but wonder what people mean when they banter about that phrase. Or if they say something to the effect: "Well he's lost his way...he has lost his moral compass."  People have also continued with the directional analogy and say that individuals have taken a "wrong path" in life. Which begs the question: which path is right and which is wrong?

Yet the thing that really makes me scratch my head in wonderment is who exactly determines the parameters of our moral compasses? Obviously what is well within the realm of respectability and a "moral code" for one person would be completely unheard of by another. In this crazy world we live in, just how does one define and live by their own moral code and follow their own compass while still living comfortably in society and not being considered an outcast if they "go too far"?
 Cue Aerosmith:
"You talk about things that nobody cares
You're wearing out things that nobody wears
You're calling my name but I gotta make clear
I can't say baby where I'll be in a year.....
When I pulled into town in a police car
Your daddy said I took it just a little too far. " (Aerosmith, Steven Tyler,1975)

So the topic of  morality can be woven throughout many of the lyrics of rock and roll.  Lord knows I heard lots of interesting notions throughout my teen years and beyond.  The power of music still packs a punch no matter what the genre. Music and morality...now there is a topic for another day. So back to the compass....steer me in the "right" direction.

Our very first set of ethics and morals, of course, are given to us by our parents and/or the people that raised us as children.  Parents and mentors do their best to instill what they believe is the "correct" moral compass. Throughout our lives, that compass can be subject to changing directions, but generally what our parents have instilled within us, usually stays with us.

Religion would be the next major thrust in the effort to provide a moral compass to follow. Throughout time the church has been a compass guiding the masses as to what is considered proper behavior for societal standards. But the all encompassing definition of "the church" has splintered.  Look at how it started with Martin Luther in 1517 with the "95 Theses" nailed to the church door, attacking some of the traditional practices of the Catholic Church.  It was only the beginning of the questioning of authority. Perhaps Martin Luther paved the way, but throughout time the freedom to question authority and possibly instigate change has evolved and regressed....depending on the subject matter of what you are trying to change.  With religious freedom, comes the freedom of choice, and many individuals choose not to follow a particular religious denomination...if any. So if religion does not set the standards, for some, than how are the morals and standards established to assure that civilization can carry on without complete and utter anarchy? That leads to the concept of legislation and begs the question: Can you legislate morality? I guess the answer to that would be YES and NO.

In tackling that question, one only needs to look at contemporary issues that have been addressed by law, where an issue of morality is involved.  Issues that have been perceived by the public as a "right" and "wrong" side to them.  The legality of abortion is a perfect example. Even though legalized with Roe v. Wade in 1973, the Pro Choice and the Pro Life campaigns still are divisive on the issue. Both schools have thought bring a "moral code" to bear in the discussion and depending on how extreme each feels about the issue, they have a really hard time seeing any relevant points on the other side.

Another issue that is fraught with controversy and a moral dilemma is end of life choices. With respect to euthanasia and "assisted suicide", several cases have been tried in the Supreme Court because legislation still varies from state to state. Decisions like these are always tough, but it is even more complicated to try to legislate the decisions. Try as they will, law makers can't take out the moral choices that must be made in such decisions.  It is easier to legislate that you must stop at a stop sign in your car. No one will argue with the benefit to society for such a decision.  

So many tough decisions in life as we guide our journey with the help of our "moral compass." I leave you with a another cultural reference to the hard choices we have to make....Choose wisely.

Raiders of the Lost Ark~ 1981

Planting the Seeds

Planting the Seeds

Today’s sermon was truly an inspiration. It gave me a lot of food for thought and I guess that’s what a good sermon is supposed to do. It made me realize that we may not see the immediate outcomes of our actions, but we can only make a difference in this world by planting the seeds. Granted, this we may already know, but we frequently need to be encouraged to act on what we already know  we are supposed to do. Pastor Barry stated:

“We may never see the Harvest of what we’ve planted. We may never see the fruits of our labors but if we don’t plant the seeds there won’t be a Harvest.  We’re simply called to sow and plant the seeds of faith, hope and encouragement.”

Sometimes the concepts of planting the seeds is never more evident than with both parents and teachers. Teachers may never realize the incredible impact they have on their students…the Harvest may never be realized or seen, but the impact is there. Yet, that does not mean teachers stop teaching, or parents set aside their concerns for their children just because they don’t see the “end result”. The impact of sowing the seeds of faith , hope and encouragement are there, whether the sower sees the fruits of their labor or not.

I think back to my years as a day care provider. I watched several children over the course of about a 10 year period. All the children had loving parents, including a little boy named Michael. I watched Michael for about 2 years at very important stages of his growth.  He was a little slow to walk but I encouraged him and he also shared the household with my other 3 rambunctious boys.  Michael was encouraged to walk just to keep up with the other guys! Michael was an only child and I think he really loved all the fun and attention he received at our house. He used to call out to me when building blocks or other projects that he wanted me to see: “Juuiee Watch! Juuiee!” He couldn’t quite pronounce his L’s yet, so I became Juuiee.  It was very endearing to me.   Last I heard, Michael was in high school and doing very well.  Time gets away from us and I have lost touch with the family, however I like to think I was a positive influence in Michael’s life.

We may never know the impact of our actions, either negative or positive, but sowing the seeds of encouragement improve the odds greatly for a bountiful Harvest.

Remember the might of the lowly mustard seed:

“God’s kingdom is like a mustard seed that a man plants in his field.  It is the smallest of all seeds. But when it grows, it is the largest of all garden plants. It becomes a tree big enough for the birds to come and make nests in its branches.” Matthew 13:31