January 15th - Protect by worrying in advance? Really?

The story...

There's a news show on TV and people I care about are "kind of" watching it.  The broadcaster is tainting the news coverage in a way that seems partial and unfair to me.  I quickly interrupt the coverage, from another room, to bring attention to the bias.  I don't want them to be misguided and swayed to think like the crowd.  I certainly don't want to have future arguments with them about the subjects.   Why do I resist "allowing" them to have the freedom to be themselves?  Are they capable of wading through the partial truths and popular opinions?  Yes, I've tried to guide their thoughts, behaviors, and beliefs.   Might my underlying motive be to push them to thank and be more like me? 

My actions do suggest that they aren't capable of living out, or interpreting, their lives without me.  I expect that they know this and often liken my interfering voice as a clanging gong or loud droning sound.   They  probably wish I'd respectfully let them be - think and live on their own.  I might be exaggerating to make the blog more interesting; but, I know it's been true and am thankful I've been growing to be more okay with me and others too.

Are you trying to get somebody to behave in a way to help you?  If so, that should be a glaring red "stop" light.

Within the only church in town, there'll be popular opinion and campaigns to push congregants to agree with...   A primary function of the church is to clearly preach, teach, and work out the Word of God into the actualities of our lives.  Other times, there'll be "righteous" noises that divide, drive strong emotions, and end up with more guarded, separated, and lonelier people.  When that becomes more the norm, it seems that their ears and hearts might not be as open to receive the Word of God - that'd be tragic.

Just for today...

"I was busy projecting a horrible outcome to my loved one's crisis and dreading the ways in which the consequences might affect me . . . Part of me gambles that by worrying in advance, bad news will be easier to face if it comes.  But worrying will not protect me from the future."  Courage to Change (p. 15)

"Admired life; Esteemed way - They're mine; Hope much."
"Trouble weighs; Ain't best - Sanctifying suffering; Being His."   Am I a Poet?