Tag: opinion

Foolish Talk

Published on by amylinnea3 Comments

A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion. Proverbs 18:2

What do you think as you read that verse?

Do you immediately think of people who fit the bill?

I do.

I think of arguments or conversations where the other person is obviously the fool.

I feel bad for them.

I’d hate to be the fool.

And when I further think about it, I understand the other person’s problem.

They are so focused on themselves, they only want to share themselves, not stop to understand the other point of view, which is usually mine.

I think of people who are quick to speak, seeming to reply so quickly, they couldn’t have possibly even listened to me. Or tried to understand.

So foolish!

Taking no pleasure in understanding is when a person thinks only of their retort while the other person complains.

They know they are right and only want to express their almost holier than thou opinion, never wanting to ever understand the other person.

We can all identify, yes?

But what if that fool is you? Me?

How often do we stop to understand the other person?

Or do we only want to express our opinions as we are certainly right about this and most other things.

Do you see how foolish we look when we stay stuck behind ourselves?

Even if your opinion is the correct one, will the other person see it when we are so focused on ourselves?

When we are so focused on spewing forth our wise words with the absence of understanding?

A person doesn’t have to say all that’s in their head.

We can listen, ask questions, and offer our opinion in a gentle manner.

Reminds me of Proverbs 15:1, which says, “a gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger”.

A fool doesn’t seek to understand, instead pushing to insert his or her opinion.

A wise person seeks to understand, sharing their opinion when it’s appropriate.

I know we see others as fools.

Let’s not forget to look at ourselves as we sometimes are the biggest fools around.

May God set a guard over our mouth, watching the door to our lips (Psalm 141:3), so we no longer remain the fool in our relationships.

Photos by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

So Over It

Published on by amylinneaLeave a comment

Going out on a limb and stating my opinion.

Last time I checked, it was still a free country.

But it doesn’t seem like that anymore.

Sigh.

Attitude.

Specifically, my attitude.

I am in such a bad mood about our world.

If I even hear the word social distancing….

Don’t get me started about wearing a mask.

They are so hot and awful.

Went to Costco today donning my mask.

So weird to walk around and see EVERYONE in a mask.

I’m living on a movie set, but instead it’s real life.

I’d totally be on board with ALL of it, every restriction if I truly thought it would help.

If I thought it was really necessary.

But after reading so much over the past few weeks, it doesn’t add up.

It just doesn’t.

First, projections of death upwards of 240,000 were announced if we didn’t stay home.

We stayed home.

Of course.

Who wouldn’t with death predicted like that?!

As a result, we “flattened the curve”.

Ok.

Now what?

Did it work?

Yes, but now we’re told those original numbers were wrong.

Like way wrong.

No one knows what would have happened if we had ignored those first numbers and only stayed home if we were ill.

Or old or vulnerable.

Instead, we all obeyed and exponentially more lives have been drastically affected through staying home then death.

Our economy is now shot.

Kids are behind in school.

Parents are at their absolute wits end.

Small businesses are literally dying.

Family livelihoods have disappeared.

Mental depression is rising.

So is abuse of children.

Rights of Americans are ignored.

Fundamental rights.

And most of America is still acting like we need to stay home.

If science backed it up,

If common sense was used,

If all leaders would put the people first,

I’d feel better.

That brings me back to my attitude.

I really hate doing things I don’t think necessary.

I don’t do well just going along with the crowd if the crowd is blindly following the world.

I think people mean well.

Hopefully.

I always assume so anyway.

I guess my rant is over.

Pray for our leaders.

Pray for those affected physically, mentally, and financially.

And pray for our attitudes. 🙂

I want to go to church.

I want to try on clothing at Target.

I want to return groceries I deem not edible at the store.

I want to teach my students in my own classroom.

And I would like to shop without a mask.

I promise to stay home if I feel sick.

Ok?

Oh, and my husband really needs a haircut.

Photos by Tai’s Captures, Glen Carrie, BRUNO CERVERA, Matt Seymour, Hello I’m Nik 🎞 , & Tobias Rehbein on Unsplash