Sometimes, of course, the children bring a touch of chaos into the service. Some people are upset by this. The Preacher looks at it a little differently.
So away with the idea that worship is meant to be produced by experts and performed by professionals. Away with the idea that worship takes place up on a stage where it can be carefully orchestrated, controlled, and reproduced week in and week out, like some sort of TV show. I don’t want order in church; I want dignity. And dignity comes not from control, but from understanding who you are and taking your rightful place in the world.
Some control is surrendered, but the payoff is immeasurable.
I find a similar problem with the Bush Administration these days. Keep the immigrants out, they say. Prevent war with war, they say. Our beliefs are what these people need, they say. We can control them, they say.
But it will never work. You don't change the way people see you with bombs and guns. You can't beat them over the head with your own beliefs.
It takes compassion. It takes love. It takes the recognition of dignity in others.
Sometimes there will be chaos. It won't be easy. But if you want to change people's hearts, you must care for them and recognize their dignity.
17 comments:
But yet you continue to beat us over the head with your beliefs...
Yeah, my head is starting to hurt! You liberals are sore losers. GW won fair and square (this time anyway).
Seamhead isn't beating anyone up with his beliefs. Sounds more like a frustrated sigh of lament to me.
- Andy B.
He's a frustrated pugilist. Instead of hitting people over the head with boxing gloves, he is now doing it with his beliefs. That's OK Seamhead, we can take it. It's not as bad as being hit in the head by your shanked golf balls.
I think it's unfair to say I'm beating anyone over the head with my beliefs. I'm musing about what I think. I've condemned no one. Dropped bombs on no one.
I haven't even written the last two posts about politics.
It has taken me a while to respond to these comments. I am curious as to why you (Howdy) have asked where we were and what we were doing on 9/11? The point had already been made that Saddam Hussein was not connected to that terrorist action. Why try to substantiate a war, although horrifying and tragic the 9/11 events were, with something that is untrue?
Of course I remember where I was and what I was doing on the sunny clear day of 9/11. I was waitressing at our Country Kitchen. I got called into our breakroom just in time to see the second plane hit. The reality of it hit me immediately. No customers had any idea of how our world had changed, and I wasn't going to be the bearer of that terrible news. A friend I was working with, a former cocaine addict and prison dweller, had the most insight that day. We had a customer of obvious Middle Eastern decent in our store. Jeff looked at him, the man oblivious to the breaking news, and stated, "People will never look at him the same way again. It's so unfair."
I remember looking at the sky, being close to Whiteman AFB, wondering what was coming our way. I remember wanting to run, literally, to Willa and Roger. I remember crying throughout the rest of my shift. I have never felt far removed living in the Midwest. What happens to one person has a direct effect on me, no matter what part of the country, no matter what country. All persons, all of them are my neighbors.
In response to your comment to Aimee's, we ARE living in a country where some children are taught from an early age to hate each other. When we don't stand up and demand respect for all Americans, regardless of socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, race or gender, that only those who are lucky enough to fall into an acceptable category can count on a smooth ride - you're on your own.
As far as fearing God so much that "we" are taking Him out of the pledge, I am unconvinced mixing Church and State was what the founders wanted. The first synagogue was erected in the U.S. before the constitution was written. The founding fathers made it clear that no government should force their own views of religion on others.
There is no "silent majority" of conservatives on this blog. But there is a balanced mix of opinions and beliefs that keep me wondering how cool the next post will be. I appreciate getting the chance to express my voice, however long-winded it may have been. I just want to be able to make my own opinions and not be grouped into a category or label.
Shelly :)!
My comment to Aimee's was not a reference to the extremist groups in our country. It was a statement that children raised with our own children, attending schools with clear diversity, often receive a strong message from the get-go. You are who you are based on what you have and who your parents are.
Some of us who read the blog had parents who instilled their expectations into us that to succeed you have to work hard and go to college. Most of us had parents who would do whatever it takes to ensure that college was at least an option. Lots of kids don't have that. And for those who are able to decide on their own, without the automatic support system of home, that an education may be the answer, how many programs are out there that actually make it a reality?
One may preach that it's all choices, and with enough hard work anyone can get themselves out of poverty or circumstance. That may be true for some. But most often, individuals have someone there to help make the rent if tuition is due or buy some groceries when payday is still a week away. Childcare costs alone are enough to wipe out most hopes of going to school. Without access to those safety nets, it is easy to see that the have-nots' frustration levels with the haves can foster tragic results.
How can you tell if someone in an SUV can afford to be driving one? The customers with the most dirt under their nails were the most generous and kindest when I waitressed, and those with the shiniest exterior did not always match how others got treated by them.
Are you a super night-owl? 2:30 is an unconceivable time for me to be coherent. Thanks for responding.
Shalom,
Shelly :)!
Regarding nations that sponsor Al Qeada: If we were actually going after nations that sponsor Al Qeada, Saudi Arabia would have been the choice instead of Iraq. There is no evidence that Iraq was an Al Qeada sponsor before we invaded. There is only evidence of a single meeting between the terrorist group and an Iraqi representative. In fact, a nation like Iraq was exactly what bin Laden hates. It had a secular despot with communist leanings.
This column shows what can happen in a war. People will wonder why the Iraqi's resent us. It doesn't take many isolated incidents like the ones described in the column to make a lot of Iraqi enemies. You cannot strip people their dignity.
Face it lefties, you lack moral conviction! Your lack of a moral compass is ruining this great country.
Is this last message posted by anyone that I know? It's simply a ridiculous and obviously false comment.
I am considering deleting unsigned, ad hominem comments. It brings nothing to the discussions we try to have on this blog.
I would never censor something because of its content. This type of post stands out for its lack of content and lack of indentification.
Besides I don't think any of my friends who post here would ever accuse me of having no morals. Although some of my golfing buddies might accuse me of betraying those morals. hehe . . .
Your 100% right seamhead. Anonymous shouldn't be allowed to post stupid comments like that.
Reverend Shaw Moore
(The guy from Footloose who wouldn't allow dancing)
I am not a wuss and if I weren't busy running this country and leading the world into the future, I'd teach you a lesson MD. You have no idea how difficult it is being President. There is no time for musing. Decisive action is required to preserve liberty, freedom, and justice everywhere. The people of America have spoken.
GW
The topic has really gone astray here, I have to say. I just wanted to put it out there that I think that Shelly is one smart gal. I wish you would post your thoughts more often. You think like me, which is understandable. After reading your posts today, I want to let you know that I am proud you're my sis. Keep it coming smarty.
Thanks Twisted Sister! I am proud you are my sister, too! If we take care of each other, we have nothing to worry about.
You also get a prize for being the first "Berns" to enter the comments world. Thanks! I will send you your prize soon.
Shelly :)!
I agree. I'd like to see more of that. I'd love to see more wives on here. They probably have some of the best stories to tell.
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