Good Tuesday morning.
As a response to our crazy and uncertain times, I was ready to compose a frustrated post about my feelings regarding the latest guidelines and expectations of us as a confused and discouraged people. I wanted to spout some of my opinions, whatever the fallout.
However, in this rare case, wisdom prevailed.
As you know if you read this weekly blog, I am a person of faith in the God of the Bible. The daily biblical reading suggestion when I wrote this was several chapters from the book of Proverbs. What I read gave me further pause regarding my original impulse. The words that sprung up were things like:
* “The wise in heart are called discerning” (16:21)
* “Pleasant words are honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones” (16:24)
* “Starting a quarrel is like breaching a dam, so drop the matter before a dispute breaks out” (17:14)
* “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones” (17:22)
* “Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue.” (17:28)
My father interpreted this nugget thus, (not original to him, but that’s where I heard it):
“Better to remain silent and thought a fool than to speak up and remove all doubt.” Thanks, Dad.
So, as fearful and angry and confused as we may be, volleying these emotions back and forth only stirs up more frustration, and I’m not good with responding to the comments on an emotional post like that anyway.
As an alternate direction, I am posting a song, with lyrics, that I remember from a few decades ago, and which will hopefully offer encouragement and comfort and foundation to our faith, and help to dispel our fears. Have a listen: God is in Control, by Twila Paris.