Musings with PWC

One of the challenges in living 58 years as somewhat of a ‘public figure’ who uses words—both in oral presentation and written word— is the way culture and society change the meaning of words.   Take for instance the word ‘Shut-up.’ In 58 years here the etymology of ‘shut-up.’ Shut-up was initially a word/phrase that was used as a bold, in your face, rude, and aggressive comment.  It was basically the rude way of saying ‘please be quiet.’  As a matter of fact I wasn’t actually allowed to say ‘shut-up’—at least not in the perimeter of my mother.  Shut up was later moved to a more pleasant level of asking someone to be quiet.  Shut-up became more socially acceptable.  In certain times—it was okay to say: ‘Shut-up.’  I have even used the word in public speaking. Shut up, recently has morphed into an exclamation statement.  So, if you tell your buddy something like this: “Hey man, I just won the lottery and got a million dollars in my bank account!”  Your buddy respond

“He saw that they were in serious trouble, rowing hard and struggling against the wind and waves. About three o’clock in the morning he came to them, walking on the water. He started to go past them, but when they saw him walking on the water, they screamed in terror, thinking he was a ghost. They were all terrified when they saw him. But Jesus spoke to them at once. “It’s all right,” he said. “I am here! Don’t be afraid.” Then he climbed into the boat, and the wind stopped. They were astonished at what they saw. They still didn’t understand the significance of the miracle of the multiplied loaves, for their hearts were hard and they did not believe.” Mark 6:48-52, NLT. Jesus will ALWAYS walk by you—unless you cry out to Him. If you cry out to HIM.. He will ALWAYS climb into your boat You cannot receive further revelation if your heart is hard.

Learning to love me Is one of these true about you? I was raised in a holiness church I was raised by overly strict parents Everything was black and white—there were no grey issues in my life growing up I was abused I was laughed at—and made fun of as a child I was always judged by what I looked like and how I performed There is one thing that all those things have in common—they have the potential to produce self-hatred. I just heard the story of a pastor who passed out little mirrors to everyone in the morning service.  Once every received their mirrors, they were supposed to look at themselves in the mirror while singing: “Jesus loves me; this I know.  For the Bible tells me so…”  This was clearly a difficult exercise for the congregants because most of them—as well as us—have grown up thinking, feeling, or believing the following.  Jesus does indeed love me—but that is based on my performance. (You know—am I praying enough, crucifying the flesh enough,