tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post4974134399436210284..comments2023-09-12T11:31:20.729-05:00Comments on Straight-Friendly: Drowning Our SorrowsTimhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-40863714330833384642012-08-19T18:25:38.063-05:002012-08-19T18:25:38.063-05:00Sherry, so often, I think, our Westernized quid pr...Sherry, so often, I think, our Westernized quid pro quo mentality hinders us from finding what Paul called "a better way" in 1 Corinthians 12. We hear, "the days are evil" and immediately think we must combat that with "good"--some sort of moral equivalent to the Newtonian idea of an opposite and equal reaction. This text surprised me in its focus on <i>joy</i> as the antidote for evil. It is the release that comes in song--or, as you say, in humor--that liberates us to pursue the faith and goodness of new life. After reading the Ephesians advice and contemplating how it works, I was struck with a great big "Who knew?" ;-)<br /><br />So lovely, as always, to hear your thoughts. You always bring a warming smile to these pages!<br /><br />Many blessings and much joy,<br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-75996197715494691662012-08-19T11:41:32.625-05:002012-08-19T11:41:32.625-05:00Perhaps there is perspective in realizing that Pau...Perhaps there is perspective in realizing that Paul considered his times evil as we certainly do ours. Paul suggests it seems to me, that discerning God's will is not always easy, but as you point out, drowning our sorrows is not the way to find our way. A lady the other day, suggested that my sense of humor in railing against the political disasters that loom, was what helped keep her sane, and surely that is true of me. We must each of us carve out the time and space to reunite in a knowing way with Spirit and ask for a reorientation of our compass to remain on the path. Thanks as always for reminding us that the oasis is but a hymn on the Iphone! lol...Blessings Tim!<br />SherrySherry Peytonhttp://witshadows.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-79856977129440730072012-08-19T09:24:00.314-05:002012-08-19T09:24:00.314-05:00Pam, it's such a delight to hear from you! (It...Pam, it's such a delight to hear from you! (It makes my heart sing. )<br /><br />Yes, just sing. After finishing this post, I opened a book on the history of Christianity and read that the 16th-century reformers employed music as a revolutionary tool. I wish I'd read that before I sat down to write, because there <i>is</i> something amazingly defiant and reassuring about singing. I believe that's why the psalmists repeatedly encourage us to sing "new songs" to God. The gift of music is one of lifting that surpasses its power as an "art." I truly believe it's a means of transformation that we tend not to acknowledge. Our melodies--regardless how well they're rendered--have the power to change the atmosphere, around us and within us.<br /><br />Thanks for commenting. Such a joy to see you!<br /><br />Many blessings,<br />TimTimhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01271248501086241494noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2722447614945782871.post-91710563575446081982012-08-19T07:23:57.542-05:002012-08-19T07:23:57.542-05:00Tim....haven't been by since Lent--but oh I ne...Tim....haven't been by since Lent--but oh I needed to read this today. My heart has been heavy and I myself left work early this week having my own tearful moment over "mean people".........perhaps I need to just sing.<br /><br />thanks for the post today...<br />PamAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01523060897792410266noreply@blogger.com