Quintessentially Unemployed

From My Perspective - - -

With the unemployment figures hovering near the 10% level, several would be quintessentially unemployed. The idea of “Quintessential” is: “the pure and concentrated essence of a substance; the most perfect embodiment of something.” The Thesaurus gives a simple Definition: “Model”! It also list synonyms: “classic, ideal, typical, ultimate.” While Unemployment (and other ancillary conditions) is nothing to joke about, we should not lose our sense of humor in the tragic times through which one must pass. In that regard, someone has suggested the following review of Job Skills (or lack of same) when considering whatever employment opportunities become available, and what to factor into a Job Resume.
• My first job was working in an orange juice factory, but I got canned because I couldn't concentrate.
• Then I worked in the woods as a lumberjack, but I just couldn't hack it, so they gave me the ax.
• After that I tried to be a tailor, but I just wasn't suited for it, mainly because it was a so-so job.
• Next I tried working in a muffler factory but that was too exhausting.
• I attempted to be a deli worker, but any way I sliced it, I couldn't cut the mustard.
• My best job was being a musician, but eventually I found I wasn't noteworthy.
• I studied a long time to become a doctor, but I didn't have any patience.
• I became a professional fisherman, but discovered that I couldn't live on my net income.
• I managed to get a good job working for a pool maintenance company, but the work was just too draining.
• I got a job at a zoo feeding giraffes, but I was fired because I wasn't up to it.
• After many years of trying to find steady work, I finally got a job as a historian until I realized there was no future in it.
• My last job was working at Starbucks, but I had to quit because it was always the same old grind.
• So, then I retired - - - And found out I was perfect for the job!

Unemployment is a serious issue in our nation. For the week ending June 12th, 2010 – the following report was given: “Experts were shocked again today with the figures for the week ending June 12. The advance figure for seasonally adjusted initial claims was 472,000, an increase of 12,000 from the previous week’s revised figure of 460,000. The 4-week moving average was 463,500, a decrease of 500 from the previous week’s revised average of 464,000. Experts had expected the number to drop to 450,000. The advance number for seasonally adjusted insured unemployment during the week ending June 5 was 4,571,000, an increase of 88,000 from the preceding week’s revised level of 4,483,000. The 4-week moving average was 4,601,500, a decrease of 21,250 from the preceding week’s revised average of 4,622,750.” Someone calculated that if we began in July 2010 to add 200,000 people to the employment rolls each month, it would take more than a decade – 10 years – before we could return to the pre-recession level of full employment. That is both drastic and tragic, and suggests desperate and difficult times ahead!

The Bible speaks of desperate times and great hunger as the result of famine and places being besieged by an enemy. One such instance is II Kings 6:24-33 where we read: “…Ben-hadad king of Syria mustered his entire army and went up and besieged Samaria. And there was a great famine in Samaria, as they besieged it…” The hunger became so severe that people began to eat their children! In II Kings 7, God works a miracle for his people. Four Lepers who were outside the gate decided to go to the camp of the enemy to see if they would supply them with some food. As they near the camp, Syria thinks an army is on its way and they flee – leaving everything behind in their camp. The four lepers race from tent to tent and consume and gather everything they can. In II Kings 7:9 the Lepers “…said to one another, We are not doing right. This day is a day of good news. If we are silent and wait until the morning light, punishment will overtake us. Now therefore come; let us go and tell the king's household." The Lord provided for the besieged city where desperation prevailed and hope had faded. Matthew 24 and 25 also reference desperate and difficult times in the future leading up to the final judgment. Are we at that threshold? Were the riots at the G-20 meeting a sign of what is to come? Be ready! Consider these things with me!

SAD - and/or - Going Bananas

From My Perspective - - -

Is “going bananas” a good or bad thing? Sometimes the phrase is used when one is losing mental focus and proper decorum – thus – “going bananas”! However, someone who is first in the pecking order of life is referred to as the “Top Banana”! A person who aspires to be the “Top Banana” is often referred to as the “Second Banana” or one who is merely part of the “Bunch”! It is indicated there is a Professor at CCNY in a physiological psych class who told his class about bananas. He said the expression "going bananas" is from the effects of bananas on the brain. This Blog is based on his entry, “Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD): Bananas can help SAD sufferers because they contain the natural mood enhancer tryptophan.

The following are some “Believe It Or Not” thoughts about Bananas. A test would be – Try It and Find Out whether or not this is theory or fact! Bananas contain three natural sugars: sucrose, fructose, and glucose combined with fiber. A banana gives an instant, sustained, and substantial boost of energy. Research has proven that just two bananas provide enough energy for a strenuous 90-minute workout. No wonder the banana is the number one fruit with the world's leading athletes. But energy isn't the only way a banana can help us keep fit. It can also help overcome or prevent a substantial number of illnesses and conditions, making it a must to add to our daily diet.
Depression: According to a recent survey undertaken among people suffering from depression, many felt much better after eating a banana. This is because bananas contain tryptophan, a type of protein that the body converts into serotonin, known to make you relax, improve your mood, and generally make you feel happier.
Anemia: High in iron, bananas can stimulate the production of hemoglobin in the blood and so helps in cases of anemia.
Blood Pressure: This unique tropical fruit is extremely high in potassium yet low in salt, making it perfect to beat blood pressure. So much so, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has just allowed the banana industry to make official claims for the fruit's ability to reduce the risk of blood pressure and stroke.
Heartburn: Bananas have a natural antacid effect in the body, so if you suffer from heartburn, try eating a banana for soothing relief.
Mosquito Bites: Before reaching for the insect bite cream, try rubbing the affected area with the inside of a banana skin. Many people find it amazingly successful at reducing swelling and irritation.
Nerves: Bananas are high in B vitamins, which help calm the nervous system.
Ulcers: The banana is used as the dietary food against intestinal disorders because of its soft texture and smoothness. It is the only raw fruit that can be eaten without distress in over-chronicler cases. It also neutralizes over-acidity and reduces irritation by coating the lining of the stomach.
Smoking and Tobacco Use: Bananas can also help people trying to give up smoking. The B6 and B12 they contain, as well as the potassium and magnesium found in them, help the body recover from the effects of nicotine withdrawal.
Strokes: According to research in The New England Journal of Medicine, eating bananas as part of a regular diet can cut the risk of death by strokes by as much as 40%!
Warts: Those keen on natural alternatives swear that if you want to kill off a wart, take a piece of banana skin and place it on the wart, with the yellow side out. Carefully hold the skin in place with a plaster or surgical tape!

There is a unique and meaningful promise of God to His People in Exodus 15:46, "If you will diligently listen to the voice of the LORD your God, and do that which is right in his eyes, and give ear to his commandments and keep all his statutes, I will put none of the diseases on you that I put on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, your healer." His People were given Dietary Codes and Disciplines for Behavior to be believed, applied and obeyed. The result would be both strength of body and strength of character. We don’t want to dismiss physicians and medications, nor should we ignore the Lord and His prescriptions! Consider these things with me!

Termites Have Eaten The Big Stick

From My Perspective - - -

If left unnoticed and unattended, Termites can quickly undermine the integrity of a structure. The intriguing fact is that Termites are very small but can cause considerable damage as they work in a united way as an army with a mission to accomplish. The only remedy for Termite damage is to (a) immediately attack and treat the area of termite activity, and (b) almost as immediate, replace what has been damaged by the Termites. Where there is an area of Termite activity, one would be very wise to pay the Treatment costs rather than the modification and reconstruction costs. Could it be that the Termites have begun to gnaw on The Big Stick of American Diplomacy?

Big Stick ideology, Big Stick diplomacy, or Big Stick policy was the slogan describing President Theodore Roosevelt’s corollary to the Monroe Doctrine. The term originated from the phrase: "Speak softly and carry a big stick." The idea is to negotiate peacefully, while simultaneously threatening with the big stick, or the military. By application, it means to always negotiate from strength and not from weakness or a Caspar Milquetoast posture. In his style of governing, Theodore Roosevelt described his style of foreign policy as "the exercise of intelligent forethought and of decisive action sufficiently far in advance of any likely crisis”! It is contrary to the Caspar Milquetoast style of life and governing (a milquetoast is a weak, ineffectual or bland person. It is derived from the character Casper Milquetoast from the 1924 comic strip The Timid Soul). For those of you too young to remember, “Caspar Milquetoast was a comic strip character created by H. T. Webster for his cartoon series, The Timid Soul. It featured Caspar Milquetoast, a wimpy character. Webster described Caspar Milquetoast as "the man who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick". The character's name is a deliberate misspelling of the name of a bland and fairly inoffensive food, milk toast. Milk toast, light and easy to digest, is an appropriate food for someone with a weak or "nervous" stomach. When the term is used to describe a person, it typically indicates someone of an unusually meek or submissive nature, who may appear overly sensitive, timid, indecisive or cowardly.”

The classic example that could be cited is the Historical Meeting of Neville Chamberlain, Prime Minister of England with Adolph Hitler, Fuhrer of Germany. The issue was to seek restraint on the part of Germany with its ambitions in Eastern Europe, most notably, Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain thought he had received an honorable agreement with Hitler by the signing of the Anglo-German Agreements. German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop remonstrated with Hitler for signing it, the Führer replied, "Oh, don't take it so seriously. That piece of paper is of no further significance whatever." England thought otherwise. The Prime Minister would state: “My good friends, this is the second time there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honor. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Now I recommend you go home, and sleep quietly in your beds…” The King of England, King George VI, issued a statement to his people: "After the magnificent efforts of the Prime Minister in the cause of peace, it is my fervent hope that a new era of friendship and prosperity may be dawning among the peoples of the world." That wasn’t to be! World War II would soon begin. Great atrocities would occur and millions of people would die in both Europe and Asia.

It becomes vital for us to know and embrace the true source of peace. It will not be achieved as elected officials bow to foreign leaders who would like to see our demise as a nation and power. Our peace is based upon a relationship with Jesus Christ. He has stated – John 14:27 (NLT) – “I am leaving you with a gift -- peace of mind and heart. And the peace I give isn't like the peace the world gives. So don't be troubled or afraid.” In Psalm 91:1-2 are these words: “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say to the Lord, (You are) my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust." The Chorus to an old Hymn contains these words: “Under His wings, under His wings, Who from His love can sever? Under His wings my soul shall abide, Safely abide forever.” Positionally – that’s where you can be – under the protecting, sheltering, comforting, peace-providing wings – where the Lord will be for you a refuge and a fortress. Consider these things with me!

Holes

From My Perspective - - -

No matter where we are or where we go, Holes are a reality. We have Pot-Holes, Doughnut Holes, Sink-Holes, Key-Holes, etc. What is a hole? Can we exist without some frame of reference to a Hole? At Dictionary.com, there are twenty-seven entries to define a Hole. Some of them are: (1) an opening through something; gap; aperture: a hole in the roof; a hole in my sock; (2) a hollow place in a solid body or mass; a cavity: a hole in the ground; (3) the excavated habitation of an animal; burrow; (4) a fault or flaw: They found serious holes in his reasoning; (6) a deep, still place in a stream: a swimming hole. In construction, there is the drilling of holes in steel, concrete, wood; (7) a water hole where animals can quench their thirst; (8) rings; and (9) wells for locating water or oil. In gardening, there is the digging of holes to plant bulbs, trees, shrubs. Animals dig holes (gophers). Golf is based upon ones skill in putting a small ball into a hole. Swiss Cheese looks better (and seems to taste better) if numerous holes are present in a slice. A person who is greatly indebted is in a financial hole. An intellectual in a debate will try to pick a hole in the other person’s logic or argument. Fill Dirt is purchased to fill holes, whereas Excavators are hired to dig holes (for buildings, fish ponds, mining). There are occasions where one must repair a hole in the roof of a home or other building. In the building of roads, dynamite was used to make holes (tunnels) through rock. For hunters, criminologists, investigators there is the awareness and analysis of Bullet Holes. Astronomers and Astrophysicists spend a lifetime studying The Black Hole and Neutron Stars. There seems to be no end to ones involvement with Holes in the ebb and flow of life.

In warfare, a problem in World War II was on Pacific Islands where the Japanese had dug a network of holes and tunnels from which they could mount an attack at will. This same strategy was employed during the Viet Nam War as the Jungle and Tunnels were used by the enemy to their advantage against the American and Allied forces. There is Biblical reference to this type warfare in I Samuel 14:6-14. Jonathon, the son of King Saul confronts a militant Philistine force. The text reads: “Jonathan said to his young armor-bearer, Come, let's go over to the outpost of those uncircumcised fellows. Perhaps the Lord will act in our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few. Do all that you have in mind, his armor-bearer said. Go ahead; I am with you heart and soul. Jonathan said, Come, then; we will cross over toward the men and let them see us. If they say to us, Wait there until we come to you, we will stay where we are and not go up to them. But if they say, Come up to us, we will climb up, because that will be our sign that the Lord has given them into our hands. So both of them showed themselves to the Philistine outpost. Look! said the Philistines. The Hebrews are crawling out of the holes they were hiding in. The men of the outpost shouted to Jonathan and his armor-bearer, Come up to us and we'll teach you a lesson. So Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, Climb up after me; the LORD has given them into the hand of Israel. Jonathan climbed up, using his hands and feet, with his armor-bearer right behind him. The Philistines fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer followed and killed behind him. In that first attack Jonathan and his armor-bearer killed some twenty men in an area of about half an acre.”

The most crucial area of Holes has to do with the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This became a faith-issue for Thomas after the declared resurrection of Jesus Christ. In John 20:24-28 (The Message Translation): “Thomas…one of the Twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. The other disciples told him, We saw the Master. But he said, Unless I see the nail holes in his hands, put my finger in the nail holes, and stick my hand in his side, I won't believe it. Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, Peace to you. Then he focused his attention on Thomas. Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe. Thomas said, My Master! My God!” If one refuses to believe that Christ died for his/her sins, and rose again from the dead – there is another hole referenced in this regard. It is called the “outer darkness” and “the lake of fire.” If you have doubts, then do what Thomas did – check out the nail holes in Jesus’ flesh – and believe! Consider these things with me!

Falling On Your Sword

From My Perspective - - -

One should always be willing to accept both the responsibility and consequences for words spoken or actions taken. An Idiom that is sometimes used is: “Falling On Your Sword”! It is an expression that means: “If someone falls on their sword, they resign or accept the consequences of some wrongdoing.” We have just seen this unfold yesterday as a four-star General – Stanley McChrystal - was humiliated in public, dressed down by civilians, and relieved of his command in Afghanistan. Even though he has served this nation bravely, courageously and well, comments that he made and allowed in a Rolling Stones imbedded interview brought about this sudden change in a selfless career. Could it be that his frustration over civilian interference in combat readiness and battle execution boiled over into his untimely remarks? What if you had been told additional troops and equipment would be sent to the battle zone, and then a long-wait ensues – is that not an occasion for frustration to some degree? What if you see the death-toll of your troops begin to increase and the enemy becoming more daring while your hands are tied, would that cause a reaction by you? Even though an Officer should maintain decorum and discipline at all times, it is understandable how a trained and experienced General would feel frustrated by the mixed signals of an untrained and inexperienced Commander-in-Chief.

There is another example on “Falling On Your Sword” in History. In the July 3rd issue of World Magazine, a review appears regarding must-read Books Of The Year. In a column - If We Lose The Battle - by Eric Metaxas and Marvin Olasky, our runner-up for book of the year is Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy (April 2010, Thomas Nelson). The review raises these thoughts: “What if we found ourselves living under dictatorship, with our children and ourselves given daily instructions to kill those who disagree? This year brings the 65th anniversary of the Nazi hanging of Dietrich Bonhoeffer for his attempt to overthrow Adolf Hitler, and that martyrdom is well known—but Metaxas illuminates, mile by mile, the road to full resistance. Early this summer the book rose to The New York Times bestseller list, suggesting contemporary resonance with its 20th century themes. Metaxas describes a man of aristocratic background and intellectual talent who descended from social and university heights to do the hard work of ministry. In doing so he placed himself on a collision course with Hitler, a man who so envied and hated aristocrats and academics that he devoted his life to forcing them and millions of others to bow down to him…Bonhoeffer's belief was that "it was the role of the church to speak for those who could not speak." He fought Nazi attacks on Jews and called for "costly grace" by which Christians would give up comfortable lives to follow Christ's call: "Costly because it costs a man his life, and it is grace because it gives a man the only true life…Bonhoeffer in 1933, at age 26, understood these holes in men’s souls and gave a radio talk on the problem only two days after Germans elected Hitler to be their chancellor. He said, "Whereas earlier leadership was expressed in the form of the teacher, the statesman, the father…now the Leader has become an independent figure. The Leader is completely divorced from any office; he is essentially and only the Leader… continued his critique of the Führer principle: If he does not continually tell his followers quite clearly of the limited nature of his task and of their own responsibility…then the image of the Leader will pass over into the image of the mis-leader, and he will be acting in a criminal way not only towards those he leads, but also towards himself. The true Leader…has to lead the individual into his own maturity…He must let himself be controlled, ordered, restricted."

Bonhoeffer demonstrated what it means to “Fall On Your Sword.” He would be executed on April 9th, 1945 days before the Surrender of Germany in World War II. The times in which we live are uncertain and may become dangerous. We might do well to embrace the commitment and choice stated in Acts 20:24, “I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me - the task of testifying to the gospel of God's grace.” In The Message Translation of Acts 20:25-27, Paul wrote: “And so this is good-bye. You're not going to see me again, nor I you, you whom I have gone among for so long proclaiming the news of God's…kingdom. I've done my best for you, given you my all, held back nothing of God's will for you.” This is complete abandonment to a just and worthy mission and cause. Are we up to a similar task and stand? Consider these things with me!

Euphemisms

From My Perspective - - -

The use of words and phrases can make a direct point with limitless possibilities of interpretation and/or definition. A Euphemism is: “the substitution of a mild, indirect, or vague expression for one thought to be offensive, harsh, or blunt.” The New York Times carries a column entitled, Schott’s Vocab – A Miscellany of Modern Words and Phrases. A recent column entry made this appeal: “co-vocabularists are invited to submit descriptions for those of us who, on occasion, harbor delusions of adequacy.” The euphemism is: “Delusions of Adequacy.” This may be the dilemma (or malady) of many politicians and some military personnel. This is not too far removed from the idea of: “visions of grandeur.” Is it any wonder that we sometimes hear that a person is in need of a “reality Check”? The Guidelines for Submitting a Euphemism are: Such terms can include: (1) Traditional euphemisms – Not the sharpest tool in the box. (2) Apposite comparisons – Dumber than a sack of rocks. Or (3) local idiosyncrasies – Somewhere a village is missing its idiot.”

Some of the euphemisms submitted included: (1) “Having him (or her) at work is like having two good people off sick.” (2) “The one with the sign on his head…room for rent.” (3) He is “One taco short of a combination plate.” (4) That person is “One brain cell short of an IQ.” (5) This person is “One slice short of a sandwich.” (6) He has “All the leadership skills of a good follower.” (7) He’s so dense that “He thinks his twin brother was an only-child.” (8) “If his brains were dynamite he couldn’t blow the wax out of his ears.” (9) He “Couldn’t pour water out of a boot if the directions were on the bottom.” (10) “He needs directions to play follow the leader.” (11) She “Forgot the recipe for ice water.” (12) “He’s of two minds. One’s lost and the other’s out looking for it.” (13) “If brains were taxed he’d get a refund.” (14) “Down deep, he’s shallow.” (15) This is like “Eating with one chopstick.” (16) “She needs to act her age, not her shoe size.”

The British seem to be very gifted with the use of Euphemisms, or as some might call them – insults. Some writers in America also display that skill:
"I have never killed a man, but I have read many obituaries with great pleasure." - Clarence Darrow
"He has never been known to use a word that might send a reader to the dictionary." - William Faulkner (about Ernest Hemingway).
"Thank you for sending me a copy of your book; I'll waste no time reading it." - Moses Hadas
"I didn't attend the funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it." - Mark Twain
"He has no enemies, but is intensely disliked by his friends." - Oscar Wilde
"I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; bring a friend.... if you have one." - George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill - - "Cannot possibly attend first night, will attend second…if there is one." - Winston Churchill, in response.
"I feel so miserable without you; it's almost like having you here." - Stephen Bishop
"He is a self-made man and worships his creator." - John Bright
"Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it?" - Mark Twain
"Some cause happiness wherever they go; others, whenever they go." - Oscar Wilde
The exchange between Churchill and Lady Astor: She said, "If you were my husband I'd give you poison." He said, "If you were my wife, I'd drink it."

Jesus would use Euphemisms to make a particular point. One illustration of this is Luke 18:24-25, “Jesus looked at him (the rich man) and said, "How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God! Indeed, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." Basically, what Jesus is saying is: The rich man had to be willing to put God before his possessions. The man could not gain access to Heaven because of his position or wealth. That was classified as being “impossible”! The Camel could not fit through a small opening either. Jesus makes it clear in Luke 18:26-27 to: “Those who heard this asked, Who then can be saved? Jesus replied, What is impossible with men is possible with God." It was possible then and continues to be possible now! Consider these things with me!

Whodunit? Who Said It?

From My Perspective - - -

It’s amazing how easily people can slouch their way into a double-standard and/or duplicitous mindset. All of us come to any given event or situation with some personal biases. In the July 3rd, 2010 edition of World Magazine, the Editor (Joel Belz) has a column entitled: “Faultfinding Friends”! A valid point is raised in terms of how one responds to a given statement when it is based solely on the “Who Said It? Whodunit?” mindset and perspective. Example: "The problem here is this is an administration that, as Hillary Clinton famously pointed out during the primary campaign, you may not want to have answer the 3 a.m. call. These are guys who have tremendous vision about legislative achievements and specific things like healthcare, going forward on immigration, those difficult issues…But when it comes to the crisis, when it comes to the Gulf oil spill, the wars, the recession, they feel as if it's being imposed upon them, rather than taking the helm. That's what Americans are sensing right here…Are you able to handle a crisis in a convincing way that inspires confidence? And so far, the president hasn't done that." If you think that statement was made by Rush Limbaugh, or Dick Morris, or Sarah Palin, or George Will – then your particular bias would affect your reaction to that statement. However, it was not said by any of them. Here is the lead-in to the above statement: “Two years ago…Juan Williams of National Public Radio could barely contain his excitement when polls seemed to dictate Obama's election later that year. But two weeks ago, Williams said bluntly…” the above statement. If one listens to Juan Williams at all, it is clear that he is more of an apologist for the President and his policies, and will more often than not promote the Democrat Talking Points.

There is also the issue of duplicitous or double-standard thinking. An example of this comes from a Press Corp Briefing yesterday: “A White House spokesman mocked BP's chief executive Monday for attending a luxury yacht race despite the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, but then defended President Barack Obama's own weekend golf game. Tony Hayward, the British energy giant's embattled chief, drew fire from the White House over the weekend for having gone to the yacht race Saturday off the Isle of Wight. White House spokesman Bill Burton took him to task again on Monday, suggesting that Hayward take part in the cleanup operations in the Gulf of Mexico with the 300,000 euro yacht he co-owns…if Tony Hayward wants to put a skimmer on that yacht and bring it down to the Gulf, we'd be happy to have his help, Burton said to laughter in the White House briefing room. But what's important isn't what Tony Hayward's doing in his free time; it's what BP is doing to take…responsibility for the mess that they've made…His comments echoed those of White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel who called Hayward's decision to go to the yacht race part of a long line of PR gaffes and mistakes. But when asked about Obama's day Saturday, in particular his four hour golf game at a course near Washington, Burton said the president had the right to decompress a bit after a hard week. I don't think that there's a person in this country that doesn't think that their president ought to have a little time to clear his mind…I think that a little time to himself on Father's Day weekend probably does us all good as American citizens…” The President also attended a Washington Nationals Baseball Game over the weekend. Has anyone heard that “sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander”? Maybe not!

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:37), Jesus makes this simple and declarative statement: “Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one.” The Message Translation is: “Just say 'yes' and 'no.' When you manipulate words to get your own way, you go wrong.” We see and hear many manipulation of words by politicians and people of every stripe. However, the intent of Scripture is in terms of how it impacts and influences a particular individual. Does it stimulate greater consistency in ones life? Are the things you say and do measured by their necessity and consistency according to your core values? It’s easy to criticize others and to magnify their inconsistencies. What if we were transparent with ourselves and looked objectively in the mirror each day using the same standards and values we apply to others – how would we measure up? We might be compelled to conclude: “But for the Grace of God, go I”? Consider these things with me!