I sit here feeling battered and flummoxed.
I inadvertently opened a hot button on facebook.
Name calling.
Hard comments.
Challenges made.
Misunderstandings rampant.
I awed by the support of a friend.
I wonder..
Am I guiding anyone to know the Lord?
Are my answers thoughtful and soft?
Are they bold and straightforward?
Am I ignoring the wasteful and answering the right?
I ponder the words of Romans 8
Devotional words where God reminds me
Of how he protects me against all comers.
He is ALMIGHTY GOD.
I am the child of the ALMIGHTY GOD.
What have I to fear?
Really,
What have I to fear?
So I think to myself
I won't shy away
I will occasionally link to items on facebook
That just might cause comment and
Open doors to conversations.
Conversations that maybe allow people to see the HOPE
That hope of the coming glory that all who believe long for.
I'll try not to fear.
I'll try to keep showing
That there is more to life
Than accepting the world's offerings.
Because God offers so much more.
And his people, we are more than conquerors
As we learn to guide those who
Do not yet know him.
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This is a five minute Friday post. the word prompt is brought to us by Miss Kate over at Five Minute Friday. What is Five Minute Friday? Well it's a party of a group of like
minded folks who gather on Friday to do a five minute free write around a
singular word. AND THEN (and this is the most important part) we take the time to offer up encouragement to
each other on this writing journey. It's fun, though it's not always
easy, but it is always good. Come join us won't you? You are always
welcome.
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Annette, this poem's grace and tenderness reminds me of a flower, brave and fragile, reaching toward the light.
ReplyDeleteA Son-flower.
Thank you Andrew
DeleteSo nicely said. Yes, it's become hard sometimes to speak the truth or share our opinions and convictions without coming across as harsh or judgmental. And often, I've found that even when I am as tactful and clear as I can possibly be, some folks are determined to take offense. I can only be responsible for me and continue to do the best that I can to speak the truth in love and to engage in thoughtful and kind discussion and debate.
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to talk when people are determined to take offense it's like he can't say anything and maybe that's the ploy because then it keeps you quiet.
DeleteIsn't it shocking how often fear has us in its grip? What a relief to have someone say, "Fear not"!
ReplyDeleteIt's what the Lord tells us
DeleteAnnette, I appreciate your vulnerability here. Every now and then, I stumble into a Facebook conversation that can become divisive. I'm with you. Part of me fears saying something that stirs up vitriol, but there will be times when the truth will do that. Like you, I am choosing not to give into fear. But, when God gives me something to say, or stirs my heart in some way, I need to share it.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your words here today!
Jeanne, you are very kind
DeleteGod offers so much more than the world...
ReplyDeleteand that, my dear, is why you have something wonderful to offer in your words of hope!
God does doesn't he?
DeleteIt is so difficult these days, isn't it? Especially when everyone has multiple soap boxes on which to stand, and we talk more than we listen. May the Holy Spirit continue to guide you!
ReplyDeleteThank you that is my wish as well
DeleteLovely thoughts, Annette. I heard something the other day about how people are so tied to their opinions or ideas that we take personal offense when those ideas are challenged. It's difficult for us to have reasonable conversations when we feel personally attacked, even if that wasn't the intention.
ReplyDeleteVery true but sometimes it's hard to get past the feelings of others to make sure that they hear you different quandary
DeleteYour heart speaks volumes and shares the love of God with anyone who cares to listen. Keep up the Lord's work of love.
ReplyDeleteThank you I try I often feel like I fail
Delete