Teaching Your Children to Swim Life!

Summertime is a fun time, and in Houston...it is HOT!   If you are like many, you take advantage of this time to dress down, take the layers off and swim.  For many of us, we take advantage of the lighter clothing, but swimming is not what we do.  Whether it is because of how we were raised, or where we were raised, we may not have ever learned to swim.

 

I am one of those.  Raised in El Paso and traveling to Germany, it was never a priority to learn.  Now, years later.... I still don't know how to swim.  People have recommended that I take a course, but at this age it feels like I have made it this far, and I don't frequent places where I need to know how to.

 

I have accepted this but I wonder what would have happened if I learned how to swim.  Would I be one of those enjoying the break from the heat?  Would I be teaching my children to swim early?  Would I have looked for a house with a pool?  I will never know, because I never learned.

 

 

DROWNINGS

This is the time of year that we hear about children drowning-sometimes in their own back yards.  Many times it is a young child that wandered into water and no one saw it coming.  There are times that the child knew how to swim, but went alone into waters deeper than they could handle.  Children have also drowned in the midst of a crowd of people, everyone is so busy that somehow no one saw their struggle that may have looked like swimming.   I have found that many children always think they can swim better than they actually can.  A small child will remember having fun in the water and not know it is dangerous when there is no one there to pull them out.  I talked to my son about his swim level, and I know he is not as good as he thinks, so his father has signed him up for another swim class to help him.  It can be embarrassing when you are as tall as he is, but his safety is more important than his pride.

You already know I am going to bring a spiritual twist, so here it goes.

SWIMMING IN LIFE

I love this generation of thinkers, this group of young people are fearless!  They think about things we have never tried, and they are not scared to jump!  The only problem is that they are wandering into the deep, but some have not been taught to swim at that level.

 

I talk to people all the time, and if you went by what they say... you would believe they were Olympic medalists cutting through life like a sharks!  But the truth of the matter is they are only floating or swimming at a amateur level.  Fun in the water can fool you.   I realize if they wandered into the deep end or if rough waters come, without help they would go under, and if those around them are not skilled to help in the time of crisis, it can get worse.  It is hard to convince someone already in the water that they need more training, another class... or two.  Sometimes pride can creep in when they see their peers swimming in the deep.  We need a better line of communication with the kids when they are young and make swim lessons (mentoring)  the norm. We should be preparing children to do life.

DRY DROWNING

Something that has recently come into the light is called Dry Drowning and Secondary Drowning.  I heard about this years ago, and it concerned me when it came to my kids.  With Dry Drowning, the water never gets into the lungs, but breathing in water causes the vocal cords to swell making it hard for the child to breathe.  This is noticeable right away and easier to get help with.  With Secondary Drowning, it happens when water does get in the lungs, but not enough to initially drown you.  There are immediate signs that there is difficulty, but it may just look like symptoms of stress from the first episode.  If not dealt with, days later the lungs can get irritated and build up fluid causing a 'second drowning'.  Both instances are tragic and can result in the unnecessary loss of life.  

 

Again, think about the people you teach and mentor at your church, your personal time or ministry.  Knowing and understanding the guidelines that God gives us for life can help them not be overwhelmed by life.  Sometimes this group takes too much in, and they choke for a moment, then they look alright.  But unless we walk with them, we will miss the signs that something is horribly wrong.  I have talked with people that go through tough times and they LOOK like they are okay when they come out, but days or even years later, we see the signs that they are not at all well.  It is easier to walk with them and watch them, than to let irritations persist and try to save them when too much damage has been done.  We have in our circles people who are in the midst of drowning.

 

LIFE COACH

I encourage every person who helps as a life coach, to pay attention to those you mentor.  Don't just throw in a life line when they are out in the deep, sometimes you have to pull them ashore, check them out and let them know, they need more training.  We need to walk with them, watch them and ensure that whatever is bothering them they have moments to get it out. 

For them, it may be hard to get past the pride, especially  if they are older and already tasted the deep waters. but as a parent and a coach, we really love people, and since we do,  we make sure before they get back  in the water... they can handle it. 

For the young ones, think about how far they can go, how much they can do if they learn to swim life well.  If they never learn the balanced lessons of integrity, humility, gratefulness, forgiveness along with other life lessons, they will soon take on too much.  Just learning to float or avoid water all together takes away from the fearless, strong generation they are.  

If we want to see God move greatly in this next generation, we will need to take out all stops.  Remove every hindrance that will try to block them, teach them well, hold them accountable for what they have been taught then stay near them as we watch them SWIM!

 

Leggings in Church? Changing Traditions!

Times have changed.  There was a time that you could not or would not consider wearing leggings in church.  Hats on men were not worn and lap scarves for women were required, but times have changed.  We are more concerned with making sure everyone feels welcomed so we don't talk clothing much anymore.  Then there are the people, older people who gravitate towards the changes too much.  It is like seeing your science teacher in a bikini.  It doesn't always set well. 

This blog is not to examine church dress -what is or is not appropriate, but if you will humor me for a minute, I would like to draw your attention to the fact that our churches have changed as well.  Many are high tech, they have more online presence than they do in house. We don't hold bibles as much, many choose to download and use their electronic devices.  They are still getting the word, but they can also Google questions they have about your message!  Our facility set up requires something that looks modern as to not discourage the new and upcoming converts.  Sometimes this change does not set well with the older parishioners, while the younger ones are looking for something that works for them.  So what do we do? 

 

LEGGINGS AND COLD SHOULDER TOPS

Let's talk leggings again. I admit,  I wear leggings to church.  But because I know my body type, and I understand my age... I don't wear them like a teenager.  I slip them under a dress or long top and   I only choose  the thick ones, not the see thru stuff.   I also have grown fond of 'cold shoulder' tops.  I like them for two reason, they are cute... and HOT FLASHES!  Everything is not about trying to keep up with the times, sometimes there are life changes and we adjust to survive.  It is like sleeping and putting one foot outside the covers when it gets hot... cool shoulders help with hot flashes. In the midst of all that, I still pay attention to the setting and use wisdom depending on where I am going. 

 

You may wonder what any of this has to do with the church.  Well many churches are feeling the effect of a younger demographic that wants to experience what their generation finds normal, what they find comfortable.  This includes the technology and freedoms they live with along with the environment in church that they feel they belong in.  Often as a church we have traditions and ways that don't really allow for that.
 

CHANGING BAIT

 

If we really want to evangelize and reach the next generation, we need to understand the times and the seasons. Taking time to pay attention to the needs of this generation is pertinent, after all they will be taking our places one day.  Sometimes we have to admit that the bait we're  used to is not working for this group.   We have to switch our bait to catch a different fish.   To many of us our methods are simply traditional, and traditions are hard to break in the minds of those keeping them.   If you're fishing in a particular spot with no results, is time to change your bait and tactics.   In light of the older generations in the congregation that may not like the changes, well...  honestly, we find a way to work with them, but many of them are now on social media, have cell phones and this world is really forcing all of us to adjust.  When it comes to the gospel of Jesus Christ, don't forget it is really all about getting people to Jesus.  It is okay to change because our traditions are not sacred... but one thing is...

THE MESSAGE

 

I love brussel sprouts, my son does not.  In my attempt to get him to taste them, I have to do more than sauté or boil them.  They need to be hidden in the midst of something else with a really good sauce or cheese!  Depending on how important it is to me for him to try them, I will adjust my recipe to his taste, but the bottom line recipe will always include the brussel sprouts.

 

In changing times, one thing that does not change is the message.  God is the author of His word and He reveals to us what it is that He requires.  The hard thing about changing times is that it can challenge the message as much as it does the methods, but to reach people, the message must remain.  We can't afford to fill our churches with people that will never occupy heaven because of a watered down message.  How we deliver the message can change, we can add a little spice to it and make it even more palatable, but at the end it has to be the same message God gave us to give.  With my brussel sprouts, if I play my cards right, I have not only been successful at getting my son to taste them, but I  too can continue to enjoy them in a new way.

 

 

 

 

The bible talks about soul winners being wise.  We have to be like the Sons of Isscachar and know the times and the seasons, but still be able to uphold the word of God as we give it to a new generation.  If we miss the opportunity to reach the new, when the old has gone away.... there will be no harvest.  
 

 

 

Why Should God Answer That Prayer?

 

I recently found myself talking to God about a young woman who is in need of prayer.  Without thinking, I began to tell God about her age, her situation and her children.  I knew that unless He intervened, it could be difficult for everyone involved.  I mentioned her finances, her health and how her children would be hit if things got any worse.  I was really putting on my spiritual attorney hat and laying a case before God as to WHY He should answer this particular prayer.  My argument was pretty solid, she was a young woman serving God and we all know that God has only good plans for us.  This prayer was going to be answered just because GOD KNOWS.

 

Before I went much further, God stopped me. "So Why Should I Answer That Prayer?" 

 

I was a bit stunned, it seemed obvious to me why this prayer should be answered, but just as soon as I got the question, I remembered Who I talking to; this was not a conversation with people.

 

Many times in life we forget that God is not human.  Yes, Jesus became human and is touched by the feelings or our infirmities, but He is governed by the word of God.  His ways are not our ways and His thoughts are not ours.  We think that if we give Him a sad enough story with details, then we can kind of 'bribe' Him into answering our prayers because He pities us- but God in not like man.  He is not moved by tears, by pain or by sad circumstances that mirror a lifetime movie.  God is only moved by faith.

PRAYER OF FAITH OR FEAR?

Faith and fear walk close together sometimes. If we are not careful, we can end up praying in FEAR not in FAITH without even knowing it.  Fear can fool us because our emotions are in it.  It can feel like faith because we want it so badly and are willing to do whatever we can to see  that prayer answered.  As an example take a person who is praying for a loved one who doctors say they can no longer do anything for.  We can pray on a level we don't normally pray on when we REALLY want God to answer.  We can be forceful, confident and persistent- but is that due to faith or fear?  Don't get me wrong, it can be a prayer of faith, but thinking that God will answer only because your emotions are involved, is not faith.  Faith believes God even when the answer is not clear, when we don't even know if He will do what we are asking. Faith is consistent, it does not waver due to circumstances. If we are living by faith, then we can pray in faith without having to rely on theatrics. 

 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.  

1 Corinthians 15:58

 

 

 

CRY, DRY, AND PRAY!

God loves when we remind Him of what He has said.  He recognizes faith when circumstances do not look good, but we remind Him that He is.   He loves when we can stand on His word and know that He answers prayers for His namesake, not ours. You have to know His word to remind Him of it, faith does not work without God's word.  The bible says "Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God"  If you really want answers to prayer, you first need His word, remind Him of His word then remind Him that His name in on the line, not yours.  After praying in faith, allow God to work things out and answer according to His will, His timing and His Plan.

 

If you are moved by a situation that you or someone else is facing, it is fine to cry, it is fine to feel the pain of what you are dealing with... but after you get it out of your system for a moment, dry your eyes and pray in faith.  Lay aside all the emotion that makes you feel fearful or anxious, and simply talk to the God you love and serve.  He does not have to be convinced to answer your prayer, just remind Him- He promised.

Only God Can Judge Me!

I remember the first time I got a ticket, (well actually 4 tickets),  I was in my early 20's and a bit devastated,  I didn't know what to expect.  As I stood before the judge, she asked me. "How do you plead?"   I froze because I didn't know what I was supposed to do.  Everyone I knew said they always plead 'Not Guilty' and if the police officer does not show up, they get off.  But while standing there as a believer, I froze... I knew all the charges were accurate and I knew that pleading not guilty would basically be a lie. I struggled in my mind for a moment and the judge interrupted my thoughts and said again, "Ms. Hill, What do you plead?"  I looked up at her and replied "I don't know what I am supposed to do."  She asked me again for my plea, and I said "Guilty."  She looked at me strangely, began writing and after a moment, she gave me my verdict.  I left there paying less than $100 for 4 tickets. Since then, I have grown in grace and don't try to fight genuine tickets with a lie. 

 

 

GOD JUDGES THE HEART

I recently read a story about a man who was being sentenced for torturing his estranged wife and for killing their 4 children in front of her.  She was giving a heartbreaking victim statement that could chill the hearts of everyone listening.  She described the children individually and talked about the toil his actions have taken on her, her family, her health and her mind.  When she finished and the judge gather her composure, she asked if the man had anything to say.  I know there are times in life when silence is best.  I was REALLY hoping this would be one of them.  But no, like all of us, he had to have his say.  I missed most of what he was trying to convey to the judge and the audience in the courtroom  because I was hoping he didn't say anything short of confession or an attempt at an apology, but what I did hear him say was  "God, is God, He knows my heart." 

 

I think we have to be careful when we assume that our hearts are the best thing to be judged by and since God knows our heart, or really our emotions... that we can get away with doing things because people don't understand our heart, our hurts or our motives.   We have to admit that without God governing our hearts, we are wicked by nature.  That is why we give Him our hearts and He in turn promises to take our stony heart and give us a heart of flesh.  We are all subject to do and say things from a harsh place, not consider others, ourselves or the God who is love.  But even with our attempt to believe our hearts have a good reason for our actions, one thing is right.  God will judge them.

 

 

 

 

GOD IS MY JUDGE

Many times when someone is in a situation that they know judgment is pending or due, we often hear the words "God is my Judge." We all know that He is and ultimately regardless to what others say or think about us, He will have the final word.  Sometimes these words are used because we are wrong and we don't want to hear about it. Other times it may come from someone who feels that they live better than we do and they are trying to take on a superior stance in the midst of our error.  Other times is becomes an excuse to not adhere to the things we know are right.  The bible says to "Judge the Righteous Judgment"  None of us fit that except God, He is the ONLY RIGHTEOUS ONE. 

With that said, we have to understand that God is His Word, which means until He comes back, or until we die and face Him... His word is the judge.  It tells us that we are guilty and need His defense.  If we want to follow God without feeling condemned, we have to adhere to His word.  His word is not to condemn us, but to cause us to recognize how far we are from Him.  He wants to have us run to Him knowing that we need Him.  He loves us and has paid the price for our sin.  We don't have to continue doing what we know is wrong and attempt to  excuse it, we can actually be free!  He is the Judge, Jury, Executioner and Payment for our sin.  Thank God for GRACE!

 

 

YOU BE THE JUDGE OF THAT

 Life shows us the obvious.

• A person who lived a harsh life and died in the midst of a criminal act.
• Someone who committed suicide or killed someone else. 
• A leader who treats others badly or is unforgiving or cruel.
• A 'minister' who's language or methods reach people in a way that seems unnecessary. 
•  Someone who is living a life full of addictions and excess
• A person who pleads "Not Guilty" to a guilty offense

We have to remember there is an ultimate Judge who will decide on all of this.   We are only called to love people, point them to the best Defense Lawyer there ever was and live a life that pleases God by  trusting Him and His word to guide us.  We have all sinned and fallen short, but we do have a way out.

 

So in closing, if you decide to stand before a traffic judge here on earth and say "Not Guilty" when you know you are, I will not say a word.  I have too much to be grateful for and too much I am guilty of....  As for you and your plea, You be the judge of that!

 

This Body WORKS!

Our bodies.  We need them and we like them to look good!  When we take care of them and treat them right, they respond by being healthy and enabling us to fulfill purpose.  So much time is spent on what to put on them, in them and who to share them with, but even with all that we can do in these bodies, they are the LEAST of who we are. 

 

Bodies are temporary housing for who we really are, yet  God uses 'the body' to describe the church.   God made this body- so no one else will understand fully the functions and miracle of it.   One thing I appreciate about God using the body as an example of the church, is the realization that we are made of many members. Whether we like it or not, we are supposed to be different and have differing functions. Many times as a church body, we assume that everyone should be doing what we do. I have worked in ministry many years and it still amazes me how impatient we are with those who are different than us.  We are made to be different.  Our upbringing, customs, ideas, thoughts, our likes or dislikes.  We have one common goal as a body of believers -but we reach it through our differences. 

A few years ago, I heard someone speaking about what they did and how they loved doing it.  Soon into their talk, they started putting the pressure on others to do what they did.  The conversation was riddled with ridicule that others could not see what they saw, and were not taking on the task to do what they did.  They went so far as to say that people needed to get over being scared and just do it, after all they did.    This is why we need to understand Body Ministry.  

Everyone should be that gung-ho about their area, they should feel empowered and fulfilled in their area of giftedness.  If it is purposeful, they should not burn out easily and should get great joy in doing it!  BUT, not everyone is called to do what you do. 

To make it practical I will use myself as an example.  I love to teach and I love working with children.  I have served in prison ministry and enjoyed that as well.  I don't have a problem getting in front of a crowd and teaching or talking on a particular topic.  That is not true of some people, they are just as talented, just as capable, but they prefer to work in the background- not up front. They would not be comfortable in prisons, may never want to enter one.  Others would get anxious if they were left in a room with 20 toddlers or even high school students.  

 

On the other hand, I have been asked to do tasks that I really know I am not good at, I get horribly nervous and really don't want to do.  The only reason I do some of those tasks, is to help in a pinch,  other times I agree to do it,  because I realize God MIGHT be using this to stretch me.  As part of the body of Christ, we have to know and understand our place, and respect the place of others.

 

BE A FOOT!

 

1 CORINTHIANS 12:14

 Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many.  Now if the foot should say, “Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body,” it would not for that reason stop being part of the body.  If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be?  But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. If they were all one part, where would the body be?  As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

The bible lets us know that we are all needed and we all have a place in the body of Christ.  The worst thing we can do  is act like we are insignificant and are not needed and do nothing.  When you arm is not functioning well, it causes stress on the rest of the body and others have to take up the slack to do life.   Your not doing or knowing your place, makes it hard on the rest.   But in the same since, not everyone can do what you do!  When we are carrying a load, we want help.  But my foot is not made to do what my hands do.  I need ....more hands.   If the foot becomes a hand, how then can we walk?  

BODY PARTS- Get in where you fit in!

 Here is a very simple and practical way to look at the body and how we may work in the Kingdom:

If you are...

A Mouth:  is made to speak- not just talk, but proclaim truth.

The Hands: are made to help by serving tangible needs.

The Feet: are made to "Go."  to carry the body, it may be abroad or on the streets.

The Arms: are made to hold, to embrace those who are hurting and comfort them.

 

 

Now before someone pulls out their study notes to challenges this... know that this is simply an illustration of how a body works!  God has really deep things in His word, but He also has very simple things that help us get the message.  We basically know how our body works.

 

The inner workings are all God's design.  He is the brain; He give us direction, Jesus the heart; He is our example of loving and forgiving,  and the Holy spirit works like our conscience. He will remind us and give us nudges to move and do God's good pleasure.

 

 

 What part are you? 

 

At God's bidding, any of us can serve in any area at anytime, and we do.  But knowing where your strength is and what you do best allows you to fit in the body and work purposefully and efficiently.  Not everyone can sit in hospitals for long times talking to someone who needs it, not everyone can comfortably stand on a stage in front of people.  Spending your time training to do what is hard for you will only produce minimal results.  Building and doing what you do best and increasing knowledge in that area will produce great results. 

 

Get in where you fit in! So you know you are part of a great body, a strong body, a healthy body.  But we need everyone to serve where you belong.  Understand that at anytime God may use you to cover for someone who is absent but He will grace you to do that.  Don't leave your area lacking, it only hurts the overall goal that God has for His body to reach this world.  We need you, this world needs YOU.

 

This wonderfully made body works best when every joint supplies!

 

You're Not the Boss of Me!

"You're not the boss of me!"  I have heard those words often while working with children.  It was popular at one time to remind others that they don't have any authority or rule over you; that their words were falling on deaf ears.  I have even used that phrase on occasion with my kids, mainly when they need yet another errand or ride somewhere.  We may remind others that they are not the boss of us, but someone is...  Who? 

BOSS: a person in charge of a worker or organization

...To give orders in a domineering manner: to dictate, to lord over

WHO'S THE BOSS OF YOU?

For a period of time, my mother was single and raising 5 kids.  During that time, we were never on drugs, never abused alcohol, none of us had ever gone to jail or prison (that I know of) and we all finished school. As a direct result of that up bringing, we are all now hard working and productive citizens today.  When someone asks me how she did it, I tell them about her occupation as a deputy sheriff in El Paso, Texas.  I don't think getting in trouble was tempting to us because we were very much aware of who would be at the county jail awaiting us.  We were not really scared of the others, it was just her.  MOM WAS THE BOSS.

OTHER BOSSES

In life we don't  think of bosses outside our occupation, but if we think for a moment, we allow people and things to dictate what we will or will not do every day.  Those things, or those people become a kind of "boss of us."

 

One day I was stopped for speeding on  a road I ride down every day.  I disagreed with the officer about how fast I was driving, and he let me off.  Later I realized I was probably doing what he said and more.  Well, I'm one of the folks that is willing to admit wrong, so I searched for him for a few months to apologize and found him.  Now, literally every day I go down that road, I remember him and slow down.   For me, he became....BOSS.

A friend of mine has mentors that help him with his life and finances.  They can tell him to do something and he does it.  It might seem harmless because he sees the benefit of their input, but either way, he has allowed them to dictate his actions.  He is doing well because of their help and there is nothing wrong with having it; but for him, they are BOSS.

Sometimes our bosses are not people.  We may have addictions, or habits that have become decision makers in how we spend our time, our money or they decide the outcome of our life.    Anything we allow to control us and how we live, whether it be television, pornography, sex, or even the pursuit of money can turn into a BOSS.  If it has the power to make us decide and the power to change our decisions, if it changes our mood or increases our ability to handle stuff; anything that affects your life- with or without your permission can be a BOSS.

THE BOSS

The bible says we cannot serve  two masters, because we will hold to one and despise the other. 

 

Let's be honest, we have many bosses.  Which one do you gravitate towards?  If we have given our lives to God, why do we respect our parents, or police officers or our appetites more than we do Him?  There are many things God is trying to work in us, ways that He is trying to regulate, but we have not really made Him boss.  Maybe we have grown to despise God because we are really serving ourselves.   We are subject to lean towards what we want in life, not what He has planned.  If only we'd realize-  God always has good plans for us.  If we let Him be THE BOSS;  He will not just meet needs, but He will ensure we fulfill our purpose and that life is good!

 

Sometimes we allow for certain bosses because of the potential fall out in refusing them.  We know the wrath of mom, or the police of even of our body when it comes to appetites that we have fed for so long.  We know the fall out, but I would rather have an immediate fall out than an eternal one.  Trying to avoid a fall out with people should not be what determines our BOSS. 

 

 

 

 

LOVE is a great incentive to choose God.  It  lasts through good times and bad and just knowing we love Him that much, should give Him  rule in our lives.  Knowing that He has good thoughts towards us and that we can trust Him is paramount.  If we learn to appreciate Him and learn about His ways, we will realize that there is no better one's hands to place our lives.   I am subject to go wayward and I need a good boss that sees everything, knows me - good and bad, and is committed to being there with me no matter what. 

 

I appreciate  those that God has allowed to watch over me, to correct me and to help me; but my life is in His hands, I depend on God's grace and His directions to help me be successful.  He can use whoever He wants to bring me to His feet and to help me walk in His ways, but really they are not the boss  in my life.  God and God alone is worthy to be the TRUE BOSS OF ME! 

Flying The UnFriendly Skies!

I remember the first time I flew on a plane.  I believe it was from El Paso, Texas to Frankfort, Germany.  Quite a long distance for a first flight. I don't recall much since that was in the early 70's and I was a lot younger.  I do know that my 4 siblings and I behaved.  (mainly because we traveled with our mom.)  When I first traveled, the flight attendants dressed nice, they were pleasant, easy speaking  and accommodating.  The passengers wore their Sunday's best and everyone seemed engaged, calm yet excited.    Since that time, I realize either that was only in the eyes of a child, or something has changed.  Now when I travel, I can see nervousness, irritation, anxiety, sadness and disengagement due to personal electronics.  Another thing that has changed is the clothing.  It used to be a privilege to travel, we actually dressed up for it, but now you might see a passenger in actual pajamas or gym shorts and sandals with no evidence of usage of a comb or brush. Things have changed a lot from the times we  were invited to "Fly the Friendly Skies."

 

THE UNFRIENDLY SKIES

We have seen it.  Customers pulled off flights, others fighting each other, children being removed from flights, flight attendants spoken to or speaking badly. I'm not sure what exactly has happened, but our skies are not so friendly now.  I don't  fly often, but I don't recall things ever being this bad.  Not only are the passengers stressing, apparently the staff is too.  We have become distrustful, disrespectful, angry, defensive, scared and just plain mean.  Many passengers and crew can't seem to get on a flight without something to soothe their minds and calm their emotion.  Sure, some may have always needed help, but it seems like things have escalated.  We fight over seats, giving them up, we fight over arm rests, restroom times, luggage placement, and even things that can't be controlled -like bad weather.  But when we really look at what is happening, the skies are not what has become unfriendly, we have.

 Proverbs 18:24

A man that hath friends must show himself friendly:

UNFRIENDLY PEOPLE

This world has so many 'unfriendly' people in it today.  I realize that scripture says to have friends, we should be friendly.  I know when flying or in the grocery store we may not be looking for a friend at that time, but there is a law of sowing and reaping.  Even though the person in front of you may not be someone you are trying to befriend, we are still sowing, and subject to reap.  Everything we do connects us for better or worse with others mailny because it says something about us.  How we treat people speaks to something inside US, not them.

 

Unfriendliness is not limited to the airline industry.  In fact it is not limited to any industry.  People by far at more insensitive, more suspicious and hard on others than ever before.  Just this week, right after the bombing in Manchester, a reporter made a crude joke about  the artist and her concerts.  Something about almost dying at her concert, right after talking about how many had actually died in the bombing.  Another's account had harsh things to say about the concert goers, as if their being in attendance was why some were injured, and others died. It is so troubling to me that we can joke about life without regards to the fact that these are real people- lives.  What makes us think the worst about people, especially when they are already hurting?  I always wonder what the comments would be if it was their family member laying in the street.  Whenever we decide to treat other's like we want to be treated, our skies, our schools and our homes will be much more friendly.

DID YOU REALLY SAY THAT!?

 

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.       Colossians 4:6

Probably much like the people I am talking about, there are times that I find myself wanting to comment on a topic that sounds dumb to me- but 9 times out of 10, I will refrain.  (often after I have typed up my thoughts, then stop to reread them)  That's when I will tell myself,  "NO... you don't need to comment on this, you are adding no value to the conversation, no solution to a problem and nothing you are saying points anyone to God." Sometimes it can be hard to not say something, but if I really want to follow God and help people, I shouldn't say just anything.  I would encourage you, as you hear things that are going on, choose your words wisely.  Some things we can never take back, and the hurt we can cause goes much further than we think. It can affect your reputation as a believer, as an employee and even as a human being. So though our skies may seem unfriendly, understand this, as in all other things, are the people problem, I choices in how we respond is the issue.  Until we connect well with God and care enough to connect with each other, until we think about what we do and what we say... we are all subject to being downright... unfriendly.