Wednesday, May 1, 2002
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Wednesday, May 1, 2002 |
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Words to soothe an angry heart By JUDY KILGORE Okay. This is the last time, I promise. John's column was "stolen" from me again because it pertained to current happenings and I have once more been chosen as stand-in. I was almost expecting it this week so I began searching early in the day through the various newsletters and bulletins we receive each week. Although I usually lean toward humor, something in one of the bulletins really struck a chord in my heart and this week's writing will be on a more somber note. I have been disturbed for the past few years at the growing anger and frustration in my own heart about the way the world is run these days. I just chalked it up to my becoming a senior citizen and perhaps being a grumpy old lady. Aren't all old people grumpy? I think it's expected of us. I get angry when I get junk mail trying to sell me something I don't need. I get angry at telemarketers. I get angry when I see our government (both local and national) trying to put one over on us. I get angry at people killing people for no reason. And I REALLY, get angry when they claim insanity and our courts set them free. I get angry when I realize that greed and power rule the world today and everybody thinks that's okay. I get angry when I see food wasted and thrown away when there are so many out there starving. When I was growing up, the motto at our dinner table was, "Take all you want but eat all you take." A simple lesson that said, "Don't be greedy. Take only as much as you need." Excuse me, does that not apply anymore? Most recently, my anger is with the mega-corporation that took over my small community bank. Since what little money as may be gleaned from my meager accounts is now going into the pocket of some fat executive who lives in his retirement home in Phoenix (or wherever), I am moving my account to another community bank where all money goes back into my community. All the propaganda in their slick pamphlets was wasted on me. What? Of course I know they're still maintaining the office with local employees. Do they think I'm stupid? Why would they send poeple from North or South Carolina to work in Newnan? Duh! But the bottom line for the change remains more money ... and more, and more, and more ... I could go on and on ... but, as you can see, I get angry a lot. Well, although he didn't sound angry about it, Doug Burrell, pastor of Inman United Methodist Church, wrote a piece in the church newsletter that really went straight to my heart. The title is "May is Christian Home Month," but this article says much more than that. I hope you agree with every word. Doug writes: "Perhaps the most important work done by the church is the work of providing support and resources that help in the development of healthy families. Character and values developed in the family will provide the framework and foundation on which each of us will construct our lives. Yet, forces exist today which are decimating the sanctuary of family nurture and personal spiritual nourishment and development. "I do not say that these forces are particularly aimed at destroying the family. It's more complicated than that. I dare say there is no 'media conspiracy' or 'liberal agenda' to 'get us.' That would be much easier to identify and to target. "The fact is that we are coconspirators with forces that break down the atmosphere in which families can thrive. And, please notice that none of us are unaffected and not one of us should call ourselves victims. No, we are not victims, but participants. "In our desire for convenience, instant gratification and our perceived entitlement for greater wealth, better information, higher grades and greater achievements, there are unseen and dangerous implications which impact our families. In a way we are victims of our own so-called success. Individually and corporately, we are infected with a disease so sinister that we have become blind to its abnormality. In fact, we have embraced our illness as a sign of prosperity and health. "I believe the church is called to stand up with a prophetic voice that calls us back to our senses. We showcase a set of values that call us away from the orgy of no limits and the disaster of unbridled busyness. We must begin by calling parents back to a commitment that calls for us to make the choice about the Lordship of our lives. If we choose the Lordship of Christ, we will reject the Lordship of the world's unbridled values. In turn, that choice will guide us to everyday choices for simple spirituality. We will reject the false notion that more is better. We will choose to be quiet, to be still, to simply 'be.' "We will teach our children about the simple things, the quiet things, the basics of being with each other and with God. We will set limits and we will teach our children the discipline of doing without, of the importance of saying no as well as saying yes. "We will remember the call if Christ to deny the self as we follow Him." I hope somebody out there is listening. This man just said a mouthful. Thank you, Doug. |
