When Wisdom isn’t Wise: Some Modern Assumptions to Query
Last week I looked at a few proverbs that are now beyond their use by date. In its own way each is rather oppressive. Are you one of my diligent readers who remembers the three I looked at? Curiosity killed the cat; Sticks and stones may break your bones but words will never harm you; and Cut your coat according to your cloth. When I mentioned these three to my older grandchildren they looked at me in blank incomprehension. None were part of their vocabulary, and I am glad about that. As I say, their use by date expired a fair while back. However there are many contemporary mantras that are...
Read MoreWhen Wisdom isn’t Wisdom: Proverbs and Sayings to Challenge
People often ask what my new writing project is and I tell them I’m working on 30 Proverbs to Live By. It still has a fair way to go, but I like the idea of a book that gives a key thought to ponder each day of the month (and a favourite one to come back to on those 31 day months). Having said that, I’ve been taken by some proverbs and common sayings that I think are simply misleading. It’s a sad state of affairs when what initially sounds sage like and profound turns out to be unhelpful, and sometimes even destructive. I will explore this over the next two weeks –...
Read MoreBecause God is with You…
A pastor whom I respect greatly emailed me and instead of finishing with a friendly “all the best” or a more formal “yours sincerely” said simply, “God is with you.” At the time I found it very encouraging and told him so the next time we met. He replied “I end all my emails that way. I figure that it is the most important thing I want people to know, because you see and experience everything differently when you know that God is with you.” I have thought about that simple conversation many times since, and the more I think about it, the more I...
Read MoreWhen the Mountain is You: Three Habits that Lead to Self-Sabotage
Most of us (and I include myself here) are instinctive blamers. When something goes wrong, it’s obvious whose fault it is. It’s theirs, and if it wasn’t for them, life would be so much better. The trouble is that every now and then we realise that that simply isn’t true. It is alleged that when asked the question “What’s wrong with the world?” the great G.K.Chesterton replied “I am”. You’ve completely missed the point if that makes you think we should blame Chesterton for everything! His counsel is wise. When looking for the cause...
Read MoreOn Turning 69…
My long term readers will know that as the 13th of July approaches I write a reflection on turning a year older. It’s part of my attempt to follow the instruction of Ps 90:12 “Teach us to number our days that we may gain a heart of wisdom”. And yes, a day after this post appears it is my birthday, a full 69 years since I gave my first wail on the 13 July 1957. Relax, no presents are required, but good wishes are always welcome! While getting older is sobering, it has many genuinely pleasing features. Increasingly people assume I am retired (I’m not – and work 4...
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