An Unplanned Blog Subject

I am blessed to have readers of my blog who live in several foreign countries. Depending on how much, if any, news you get from the United States, you may want to skip reading the remainder of today’s blog and pick up with next week. But I hope you’ll read on.

Without citing specifics, and without placing blame, suffice it to say that I, like a majority of Americans, am appalled at what took place in the Capitol in Washington, D.C. this past Wednesday, January 6.

I am reminded of a sermon Don Jeanes preached when he was Senior Minister of First Christian Church in Johnson City, Tennessee. I believe it was around 1995, but I’m not certain. That is immaterial for my purposes, anyway.

Don quoted Romans 8:28 in his sermon. I no longer remember if that Scripture was the basis of his sermon, or if it was mentioned in a more peripheral way. If you are not familiar with Romans 8:28, it’s the Scripture that proclaims, “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose.” (Holman Christian Standard Bible.)

Don went on to say, “The Bible says ‘all things.’ It does not say, ‘Part of the time,’ or ‘Most of the time,’ or “Every once in a while.’ It says ‘all things.’” I remember that part of the sermon like I have remembered no other sermon, out of the thousands I’ve heard. Since I heard Don’s wise words, there have only been a handful of days I have not reminded myself of that sermon.

The Capitol events were no surprise to God. And He will use those events for our good, IF we love God AND are called according to God’s purpose.

That was Point I.

This is Point II.

One of the first, if not the very first Bible verses I learned was “Be ye kind, one to another.” To be accurate, this is just part of Ephesians 4:32. But when you’re three years old, it’s a long verse to remember, especially when using the word “ye” from the King James Version of the Bible.

Kindness was not prevalent in our Capitol on January 6, 2021.

Point III.

While it is not specifically called The Golden Rule in the Bible, Luke 6:31 is popularly known as The Golden Rule. Again, in the King James Version, as a small child, I learned that verse using these words: “Do unto others as you would have them to do unto you.”

Quite a number of people did not display this attitude in the Capitol last week.

Point IV

Duffie Jones has worn more than a few hats. She was chair of the Johnson City Board of Education, Mayor of Johnson City, Executive Director of Hands On! Museum and President of the Junior League of Johnson City when it was still a Junior Service League. Duffie is an extremely wise woman and certainly a consummate community volunteer. She sets a wonderful example we would all do well to emulate.

I believe it was when she was Mayor that Duffie spoke to the Junior League of Johnson City. I was blessed to be in attendance at that meeting and heard her say, “Remember that being kind and courteous gets you further than being harsh and hateful every single time. Every single time!”

I have proved her words many times.

Point V

When I was on the Board of Directors of the Association of Junior Leagues, International, I was fortunate to be able to attend the training sessions that the incoming and sitting presidents and presidents-elect attended. I no longer remember the name of the speaker, but what I do remember are her words. “When emotions flare and tempers run high, don’t shout or scream. Don’t even talk in your normal voice. Whisper. Whisper to be heard. People will have to calm down to hear what you’re saying.”

I’ve not needed to use those words as often as I have used Duffie’s words, but they have worked for me.

Enough said!

Copyright, January 9, 2021 by Rebecca A. Henderson