Eight Ball Answers ~ My Reply is NO

Greetings Dear Reader,

When one inverts the Magic 8-Ball_® one gets an answers Five percent of the time that answer is “My Reply is No”.  Of the twenty possible answers five are negative.  There is a fifty percent chance of getting a positive answer, twenty-five percent chance of a neutral one, and twenty-fiver percent chance of a negative one. 

What we first need to consider it the context in which the answer is being given.  The negative answer is neither good nor bad without context.  The question that is asked will determine the timbre of the answer.

If I ask the ball, “Will I get a pearl in this oyster” the reply disappointing.  If I ask “Will I get food poisoning from this vending machine tuna sandwich” and the reply is no then the reply is reassuring.  For every answer, the value and feeling is determined by the question.  It is also impacted by the attitude and hopes of the asker.

The most negative of answers can be definite and final.  The serious of situations can have a negative answer that we do not desire.  Still the answer may be no.  Still the asker can determine his or her response and attitude. 

A no answer that I do not want does not mean that it is the wrong answer.  It is an opportunity for me to do what is right no matter how I feel.  It is an opportunity for faith.  When it comes to the choice of fighting the answers that are no that I cannot change, I must ask, “Am I going to let the answer I dislike determine my heart and actions?”  My reply is no.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

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Honest Words – Yes and No

Greetings Dear Reader,

This is quite simple but we make it so complex.  “Yes” and “No” used to be enough to seal a deal.  They are words that carry great weight.  We agree or disagree.  We commit of do not commit.  I am troubled that we no longer see yes and no and commitments.

Jesus was very clear that vows and oaths should not be necessary.  He was clear the yes and no are honest words that are binding.  When a simple yes or no does not seal the matter there is a problem.

So when asked about anything we should be able to honestly say yes or no and stand by it.  Instead we build excuses into our answers.  We give noncommittal answers so that we can weasel out later.  We even outright lie.

Over the years I have students give me a resounding yes when asked if they were going to be in class, do the work, or make up a quiz.  They knew when they said yes that they were lying.  The entire idea of an honest yes loses its value when we dissemble.

The “Yes” of marriage vows becomes a maybe when things get hard.  That same yes has no value when we are dragged away by other pursuits.  The “Yes” we give is a bond whether we wish it or not.  

Why I am asked anything I have a choice.   Once I agree to something I have given up that choice.  We do not get this.  We no longer really live it.  I must be someone whose yes and no are a bond.  I must do as I say I will do.  People must be able to depend on me.  I cannot follow Christ if I do not keep my word.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)