Minced Words ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Please remember that I ponder these things so that I align my life and actions with what is right.  I am attempting to be transparent not judge others or dictate to them.  It is sometimes necessary to generalize to set the hard deck.

There are certain things that are required of Christ followers.  One of them is that we are to be straight with each other.  Another is that we are supposed to take care of each other.  We are supposed to love each other at any cost.  It is the example that Christ sets for us.

We fail to do this.  We say we will but we must actually do it.  I remember my Grandfather in one of his little churches on a Sunday morning.  The poor community for which he cared would take up an offering and give part of it to him for being their preacher for that Sunday.  He had gotten word that one of his congregation was in need.  He quietly gave the money to that man.

He was always that way.  You could count on him.  He was not one to mince words.  If he said he would help you could be assured of his help.  If he thought you were wrong he would lovingly tell you.

I want to be someone who lovingly says what he means and follows through.  I would rather be there for you and fail than fail to be there for you.  I must care for those in need and not just serve up promises of support in words that I can later mince.  I must pray when I say I will pray.  I must support when I say I will support. I must give when I can.  I cannot follow Christ without doing this.

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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Minced Words ~ Perception Becomes Reality

Greetings Dear Reader,

I often ponder what the world would look like if we saw things as they are unfiltered by our own perceptions.  I try to do this.  The problem is that we create so many filters that they blend and become almost fused with reality.  Whether due to political correctness, religious rhetoric, or social tirades we rarely get unfiltered information.  Even I struggle with assuring that I do not impose my filters on others.

Not all filters are bad but we must honestly and often weigh our preconceptions and perceptions to assure that we are filtering for purity and not policy or politics.  The truth is the truth.  It is absolute and irrefutable.  The difficulty is that we are in a constant smoke screen of opinions, slogans, and positions that ignore the truth or worse try to hide it.

The perception that a thing is true that is not gets promoted through the shouted opinion of the masses.  A misdirection gets reported in the news cycle with all of the readers using the same terms.  A false perception becomes the group think.  The lie becomes the truth. 

We mince the words until we have successfully created a word cloud that hides reality but pleases the will of the throng.  I know that the truth is there.  I know that I must seek it with all my heart.  The perceptions out there that seem to be reality mollify or outrage us to distraction.

Freedom is only found in real truth.  I have an agreement with my grandsons.  I will never tell them what to believe.  I will, if asked, tell them what I believe.  I know what I believe Dear Reader.  I also know about the things of which I am unsure.  It is in being honest about the latter that we can clear some of the smoke.

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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Minced Words ~ ‘Till Death…

Greetings Dear Reader,

I need to be absolutely clear before I embark on these thoughts that I do not speak from a position of innocence or judgment.  My own failures disqualify me from both. I know my experience and I know what others tell me to the degree that they are honest.  This does not change the raw truth of things.

I only know of one person that said both the vow, “’Till death do us part” and later “I only expected the marriage to last ten years or so from the beginning.”  This is just a single example of the way in which we mince the vows we take.  We shave away at the bedrock of them until they are sand. 

I rather want to focus on those who are experts and mincing words but choose integrity.  I think of my dear friends “J” and “L”.  I do not have permission to discuss their marriage so I will not reveal their names.  I do, however, have nothing but praise for the way they daily choose to choose each other.

They have had trouble and adversity.  They still choose each other.  There have been times of deep darkness, health issues, and derailed dreams.  They still choose to choose each other.  They are open about the challenges and struggles with those who listen.  They love each other and join forces to live out that love no matter what life throws their way.

No matter how we feel or think this is the right thing to do.  We cannot mince the words of our vows and hope to be “in the right.”  Before you start raising the situational flag Dear Reader, I get that there are circumstances where it becomes unsafe to stay with someone.  If we drew the line there it would be understandable. 

Instead we find ways to diminish our vows to wishes made when we were younger.  Our personals goals, wishes, and desires take precedence over promises we made on which others bet their lives.  The number of lives damaged because we mince these particular words astounds me.

As I said at the beginning, I have failed too much to judge anyone else on this.  I have also learned enough from those failures to know that going down the road of vow shredding is a dangerous choice.  I am not sure that I will ever have the chance again to live out the choice to “keep to my first sworn vows”.  I do, however, find great peace and joy in those like J and L who do so.    

  

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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Minced Words ~ I Will Always Be There for You

Greetings Dear Reader,

I try not to talk about the things I do for others.  I sometimes discuss them with my children to set an example and because I want to be accountable for what I do.  Mostly I want to do good in secret. 

Over a twenty-five-year teaching history I have taught over five thousand students.  I have explained to every class on the first day of class that once someone is one of my students they are for life.  Pass, fail, hate or love me, I will care about them for the rest of my life.  Every once in a while, a student reaches out to me for questions, concerns, or to share his or her success.  I find great joy in all of this. 

I will always respond to them.  I will help if I can.  Each time, however, I am reminded of the times I have failed to be there when I said I would be there.  I am reminded of the people who promised to always be there for me who are not because they found me wanting in some way or something else mattered more to them.

We see memes so often that speak of crisis or difficulty teaching us who our friends are.  This is such a sad commentary to me.  We are supposed to be a community that is bound by the requirement to care for each other.  We are supposed to be there whenever there is need not just during hurricanes and death. 

I must find ways to help others no matter what my situation is.  I can always find a way to be kinder, more generous, and present.  Even if I cannot help I can be there.  I can listen, comfort, or just sit in silence.  I can set aside my agenda and be present for the needs of others.  I do not want to mince the words that I will be there for others. 

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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Second Thoughts – Counting the Losses

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader.

Do we still have the ability to empathize with others?  This week is filled with so much loss on so many scales.  There are still people from Key West, Florida to Toccoa, Georgia without electricity.  In the Keys so many cannot even get to their homes to assess the damage.  Basics like food, water, and shelter are in great demand but short supply. 

A continent away a family suffers because a loved one, too young and too alive was suddenly tragically taken from them.  I cannot console them.  I can be there and love them and listen without cliché or advice.  I can be a guardian of grief embracing them from two thousand miles away.  I can be open to their need to rage against the universe, the world, and God.  They are family to me and their loss is not lost in the storm of loss sweeping our world.

We get so caught up in the things that numb our brain that we forget to look for things that need, yea require our compassion.  We come together briefly but now we politicize along the way.  We need to spout our agenda instead of simply loving those in need in the moment.  Worse, we use the loss and grief of others to promote our agenda.  Even if this is a good agenda it is the wrong way to do it.

To those who have lost things, please know that I care.  To those who have lost others to death because of these universal and individual horrors please be sure that I see you and I love you.  Death rides hurricanes, falling trees, and all the secret passages we do not see or suspect.  He comes unbidden and will have the price owed him by every man.  Billions of dollars in property loss devastates those who owned, used, and depended on that property.  I would chuck it all to save the relatively few lives that were lost.    

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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Minced Words ~ I Will Never Abandon My Faith

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of my dearest friends expressed his concern to me some years ago that his adult child was “losing his/her faith.”  We talked long about it.  He told he was reassured by the child that he/she would never abandon the faith that we share.

At this point that child no longer believes in God and has given up all aspects of faith.  When we connected recently I could not be prepared for the well of grief in this father’s heart.  He is broken in so many ways because this child he loves has chosen to leave behind that which was once precious.

I realize that there are reasons why this happens.  I understand it is difficult to navigate the complexities of culture with one’s faith unchallenged.  What I do not understand is the failure to see the consequences of this choice as it impacts those we have assured that we will not lose our faith.

My faith must come first in all things.  I have journeyed through some dark times when it was challenged and I had to cling to it for all that I had.  I have failed at times to live it properly.  At times living out my faith costs more and is harder that I like. 

No matter what is in front of me I have promised others that I will never abandon my faith.  I will fail and have struggles but I will not betray those who see my faith as an example by mitigating my struggles through unbelief.  I will not betray God by disbelieving.

Further, there are things I want in my life that I could have were I to abandon faith.  There are things that would be easier were I to channel and focus my baser nature.  I have already traded too much for that in the past.  I will not cease to work daily to walk in faith and try to get a purchase on the humility required to do so. 

I can mince the words I promised to God and people.  I can explain away my faith with simple turning of phrases and suitable application of self-deception.  The problem is that I really do believe.  I have to lie to myself to accept that my faith is unfounded.  I have to betray hard-won reason and growth.  At the end of the day Dear Reader, the price is just too high.

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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Minced Words ~ Opening Thoughts (Words)

Greetings Dear Reader,

A series of ads currently running asks the what if of saying what we really mean.  This intrigues me.  My Grandfather used to say “You can say whatever you need to say.  It is how you say it that matters.”  My eldest Son, Maxim does not like to mince words in any way.  It struck me that we are forgetting how to say what we mean and more so forgetting to mean what we say.

We too often use too many words to say too little.   The influence of political correctness and double speak have replaced speaking the truth in love.  The words we use get filtered so as not to offend, make uncomfortable, or appear to disagree with the current public thought. 

In addition to accepting this form of thought police we have lost the understanding that what we say matters.  We do mince the words.  Firm statements we make become word hash as we look for a way out of our obligations.  Saying “I will do it” gets edited in our minds until it has enough provisos to make it sound like an entertainer’s contract.

I need to spend some time pondering how to deal with a world that wants to communicate in backdoors and escape clauses instead of solid reasoning and common understanding.  Words need to be selected, vetted, and honestly applied to others.  Walk with me Dear Reader as I craft words to explain the words that make me concerned about the way in which we use words.  Your words always are valuable to me.

Say What you Need to Say – John Mayer

Take all of your wasted honor

Every little past frustration

Take all of your so-called problems,

Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Walking like a one-man army

Fighting with the shadows in your head

Living out the same old moment

Knowing you'd be better off instead,

If you could only

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Have no fear for giving in

Have no fear for giving over

You'd better know that in the end

It’s better to say too much

Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say, say what you need to say

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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It Was an Accident ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am not a scientist.  I try to understand as much science as I can and I am thankful for the minds who create so much that makes our lives better.  The church has not always given the scientific community all the respect it deserves.

Still, I cannot believe, and it takes belief, that all of the cosmos is a series of happy accidents.  I am not saying that all of the discoveries and the science are wrong.  They just have not answered enough of my questions. 

For me also there is the logic of it all.  It is not logical that the universe has no designer.  It is not logical that there is no purpose.  I find in the vast path from the beginning to now too many assumptions for the absence of a Designer to require anything but faith.  If I have to have faith for one or the other I will choose that there is a Designer.

I will also continue to call for honesty on both sides.  Until we really speak without posturing and insults we cannot find truth.  Until we embrace humility in admitting that there are so many things we still do not know we cannot be honest about our conclusions and the faith required to hold them.   The difference for me is that an accidental universe requires nothing of us and my Designer requires that I have faith.

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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It Was an Accident ~ A Matter of Method

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am sure we all remember learning the scientific method in primary school.  I am also sure that we have not thought about it much since.  Beyond that is a very important scientific practice of peer review.  This method of vetting work, when applied honestly, allows for validation and criticism that can move honest knowledge and understanding forward.

The scientists who wish to put forth positions that are not solid avoid peer review or find ways to manipulate the process.  One of the things that we need to understand about scientific peer review is that it is meant to be a neutral process.  It is required that our methods and conclusions be vetted as plausible by those who understand the science.

When it comes to intelligent design there is peer-reviewed literature.  This is a set of peer-reviewed scientific publications published in scientific journals, conference proceedings, or academic anthologies.  The point is that if we are going to be honest we need to let the scientific community see our work and critique it.  By “our” I do not mean to imply that I contribute to this work in any way.

If we do honest work and allow the world to vet it then we have the advantage of learning where our errors are, what we are getting right, and seeing the new questions that arise.  When we put forth honest work and we are accurate the truth stands on its own.  When we get real feedback from others we can better refine our position.

There will be detractors who deny our position no matter how clear the evidence.  Then again, we have been guilty of the same thing.  If we do not believe that our work can stand on its own then we need to hold back on presenting it until it can.  If we are certain that it will then the work will speak for itself.

It is our primary obligation to speak the truth in love.  It is my obligation to vet what I say through honest filters.  It is necessary that I also keep my priorities in line.  My obedience to love even those who hate what I believe must come before my desire to disagree.

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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Pausing to Pray - Hurricanes and Earthquakes

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am going to use my writing time this morning to pray for those fleeing from the storm, for those trapped by it, and for those impacted by the earthquake in Mexico.  My dear friend Jeff stated things so well I will just quote him.

“To all my South Florida family and friends, those I know well and those I don't. I want to help prepare you for what you’re going to experience. This is not to frighten you but to help you - The storm is not like anything you can really prepare for. It's not a stay at home off of work party for several days - but a life changing event. The fury will shake you to your core. The storm will spawn tornadoes and cause even more destruction. If it's a direct hit on Broward the devastation will be like nothing you've ever seen. Having your house boarded up is good but it will not protect you from tornadoes. Pictures are nothing like the real thing. You will be without power for weeks. No a/c, no way to cook, keep food for very long. Some of you won't have a work to go back to. Being able to depend on friends and people close by and far away will make a big difference. Community will be important. Helping each other and taking care of each other is what you do. Your friends want to know that you are alive as soon as possible. If you can leave please do. They should open the expressway to only go north on both sides of the turnpike - so use it. I know many of you can't leave - your taking care of others - helping those who can't help themselves - your running to the storm. I get that... The government can't take care of all of Florida so be prepared there will be little help at first. There is no safety net for this kind of devastation so just get yourself mentally ready. You will be numb for awhile. We will come for you. So just hold on. We will be praying for you all.”

Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season – Jimmy Buffet

Squalls out on the gulf stream

Big storm commin' soon

Passed out in my hammock

And God, I slept till way past noon

Stood up and tried to focus

I hoped I wouldn't have to look far

Sure could use a Bloody Mary

So I stumbled over to Loui's back yard

And now I must confess

I could use some rest

I can't run at this pace very long

Yes, it's quite insane

I Think I hurts my brain

But it cleans me out, then I can go on

There's something about this Sunday

It's the most peculiar gray

Strolling' down the avenue that's known as A1A

Feelin tired, then I got inspired

I knew it wouldn't last long

So all alone I walked back home

Sat on the beach and there I made up this song

And now I must confess

I could use some rest

I can't run at this pace very long

Yes it's quite insane

Think I hurt my brain

But it cleans me out, then I can go on

Well the wind is blowin' harder now

Fifty knots or there abouts

There's white caps on the ocean

And I'm watchin' for water spouts

It's time to close the shutters

It's time to go inside

In a week I'll be in gay Paris

Hell that's a mighty long airplane ride

And now I must confess

I could use some rest

I can't run at this pace very long

Yes it's quite insane

Think I hurt my brain

But it cleans me out, then I can go on

Yes it cleans me out, then I can go on

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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