My Way or the Highway?
Courtesy Emma Simpson at unsplash.com
These days I’m reading more than ever, watching news on tv, listening to radio broadcasts and talking with various people, including friends and family. What strikes me more than anything is the ‘my way or the highway’ approach on the part of some leaders and writers in various camps. I wonder what it is about human beings that seems to drive us to share (or shout) our opinion without giving space for another point of view.
I grew up in a family that relied on the ‘church’ for influence, direction, and authority in all matters. I admit I became a lazy thinker in those years because I was taught not to think for myself since others (in authority) would do the thinking for me. And they did so without question.
Today I am more than ever aware that life is not black and white. Not all questions can be answered with a yes or no. Is compromise possible? Can I live with paradox? Am I willing to honor multiple points of view without being threatened? Is there more than one way to respond to a dilemma? Will I look at the other side of the street and who is standing there? I want to…
I say I ‘want’ to because I know I’ll slip up. I’ll forget what I’ve just written. But I promise to keep paying attention to my biases as they show up. I will keep reading and listening and praying and pausing and deliberating and considering and being willing to stand in the middle of options, often without choosing, just being. And then trusting that guidance will come… God’s way…as I understand and know God at this moment in my life.
How are you handling the challenges you face when confronted with so many viewpoints? I’d love to know.
“For My thoughts are not your thoughts,
Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord.
“For as the heavens are higher than the earth,
So are My ways higher than your ways
And My thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8
I live in complete serenity and peace because I put my trust in God and have the help of my 2 Guardian Angels!
With this nation in so much trouble politically and with the COVID pandemic so bad,
I can only rely on my faith to sustain me.
I totally agree with you, Chloe. Only God can keep us serene.
Amen Chloe. My way to live each day now. I am surrendered to the Divine and in doing so I believe that all is in Divine Order. So peace giving!! My Arch angels guide me and are always close by. So comforting! We are indeed blessed. 🙏❤️
Thank you, Kathleen. Divine Order. YES!! ❤️
Karen, GOOD thoughts for our times for sure! I too want to be opened armed and not crossed armed with those who think differently!
Thank you, Lynn. We’re all in this together and it’s a great comfort.
Karen, as usual, you blow me away with your thoughtful consideration of this topic. I believe the pandemic has me more challenged about all of this. Your paragraph:
“Today I am more than ever aware that life is not black and white. Not all questions can be answered with a yes or no. Is compromise possible? Can I live with paradox? Am I willing to honor multiple points of view without being threatened? Is there more than one way to respond to a dilemma? Will I look at the other side of the street and who is standing there? I want to…”
Made me look inward to all of these questions. Thank you. As you, I want to, but I don’t always respond in a healthy manner. Love that you consider this and help us all look to our own behaviors for possible correction.
Thank you. You haven’t shared your name but I hear your heart and I thank you for joining us and for being open, as you obviously are. 😊
It seems we agree on so many things like Trusting in God for our future.
I find it is better to be thankful for what I do have and not fret over what I don’t have: I cannot walk without my walker, but I CAN walk, and I have a good walker. I have a good mind even tho I am very old (smile) God gives me the ability to figure out how to avoid falling down~I ask Him each morning to help me walk and not let me fall, and He does so I thank Him with every step. If I dwell on the negative I feel terrible, so as the song goes: “Accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative, latch on to the affirmative, don’t mess with Mister in between” Thanks, Karen, for more good thoughts. Love and blessings to you. Margaret
You’re such an inspiration, Margaret. Thank you for you kind and positive thoughts each week.
This topic really hits home for me Karen.
I’m trying to handle this issue with God’s grace:
1. By living in the graciousness of it.
2. By letting others do the same.
I’m also comparing what I read or hear to God’s Word to help me discern truth from fiction.
Thanks for sharing your perspective on this topic.
Smiles, BRC
Thank you, Beth. Beautiful thoughts.
I’ve always been blessed (or maybe I should say cursed) with the ability to see more than one side to everything. In today’s world I keep reminding myself that Christians are not supposed to pass judgement on other people.
That’s a special gift, Janet. Bless you for sharing it.
Thank you for your thoughts! I have been so unsettled by the drama in politics that I was led to fast yesterday and trust that God is still in control even if we can’t see it right now. That brings me peace!
Thanks, Carol. I totally hear you. Politics these days is so unsettling, I agree. Sometimes I just have to walk away from the news and turn my eyes and my body toward the hills under the blue sky where I live. A good walk and I am recalibrated by God’s grace and nature.
Karen, the passage from Isaiah 55:8
covers it for me. Granted there is a lot in politics and covid-19 to drive one around the bend.
But there is one all knowing and powerful to turn to. He will guide you.
Thanks for sending this. Makes me step back and realize there is only one true God and he loves us dearly.
Yes, one true God who loves each one of us with an everlasting love. I count on that 24-7. I’m happy to know you do too.
I am so blessed by your thoughtful approach to a difficult topic. We want to be a blessing to those around us. Especially, to those who see life differently . Yet, we want to remain true to our Christian” World View.” A fine line sometimes. You have obviously touched on a subject that is vital to a lot of people. God bless you Karen!!!
Thanks for your encouragement, Etta Mae. We all appreciate it, I feel sure.
Hi Karen,
I think I have a teachable spirit. I’m 77 and been down quite a few roads. Does that make me an expert in everything? Absolutely not. I’m probably not an expert in any one thing. LOL But one thing I am expert in I guess, is being me. My teacher is Jesus Christ through the Holy Spirit. Even then, I’m not the best student. LOL. I’m learning things every day. My problem is remembering it all. LOL LOL. There’s SO-O-O much info out there, Karen. It’s hard to get confused. Here’s the secret (as I know of which you are well aware: How I wade through it is keeping my KJV at my side. I’d be lost without God’s Word. I love it and Him SO-O-O-O much. When someone says something I don’t agree with, I just say, “Hm-m-m-m-m, that’s an interesting viewpoint.” Then I give my viewpoint and then, I don’t argue. I think we are called to share the Word, not to argue the Word.I very seldom watch the news. I shut down my cable company. I haven’t had TV for over a year plus now, and I’m doing just fine. No nervous conditions or breakdowns yet. LOL LOL. (Thank you Jesus.) But you’re right, so many people are pretty dogmatic in their beliefs. I avoid those people. As always Karen,an interesting Blog and thought provoking. May the Lord bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you. -Jim
Thanks for all these positive thoughts, Jim. I admire your faith and your good will. God is with each of us and speaks to us in His time and way. We can trust that.