Words have meaning…

It is tiresome to listen to rhetoric slung about these days, whether from Hollywood movies or politicians. For example, one of the worst is name calling. Children are lured by movies–one that comes to mind is “Despicable Me.”

Some politicians are labeled as crooked who in turn label groups as deplorable.

It is time to move on and remember the Judeo–Christian roots of this nation.

If one is victimized by a bully, there are multiple remedies.

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Words in times of Suffering

What we say to each other matters. A recent event reminded me of a time several years ago, when a friend shared some personal struggles with someone who was verbally abusive to her.

I listened and then asked her a question. If I called her a name, perhaps saying she was a monkey, did that make her one? She answered, “No.”.
I was trying to inject another way of looking at things into her situation. A different outlook did not undo harsh, unloving comments, but sometimes being able to share concerns will help.

This reminds me of advice from my favorite cousin for times of depression. She said that there are three things to do when one is depressed. One may “get in touch with nature” — perhaps by taking a walk. One may “do something nice for oneself” — possibly with a bubble bath. The last counsel was to “talk to a friend.”

In addition to these ideas, one may turn to the Bible and the Holy Spirit for comfort.

A favorite passage these days comes from I Peter 3:8-17:
Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tender-hearted, be courteous;
Not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.
For “He who would love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips from speaking deceit;
Let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it.
For the eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayers; but the face of the LORD is against those who do evil.”
And who is he who will harm you if you become followers of what is good?
But even if you should suffer for righteousness’ sake, you are blessed. “And do not be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled.”
But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear;
Having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.
For it is better, if it is the will of God, to suffer for doing good than for doing evil. (New King James Version)