Behavior – more powerful than words
Every Sunday, around 9:30 a.m., I see a man with no left arm riding his bicycle to church. The bike is old, has a basket on the front, and the man is thin and sits very straight. He has white curly hair, and he peddles slowly and carefully. Sometimes he wears a brown suit with the left sleeve tucked into his pocket and carries a backpack. This week he had on a tan, short sleeved polo shirt, and a Fedora hat.
At church, the pastor spoke of the collectivity of bombs, bullets, and bullies in America. He said he prays for America. He said individually we know the difference between right and wrong and act accordingly, but collectively we make major errors in judgment. He spoke of all the anger in America. “There is a lot of anger in America!” rang in my ears.
Several times during the service I thought of the man with one arm biking to church. I was also aware of the woman with the beautiful singing voice, the young woman in the red blouse playing the piano, the elderly lady who could barely walk holding the door open, and the couple, one in a wheelchair, backing into the front pew.
Out of the 200+ people in church, I think the pastor was the person who was angry. Because of his message, parishioners left in a noticeably solemn mood; I heard very little visiting.
Two things came to mind as I recovered from the sermon:
1) The influence one negative person can have on a large group is unbelievably powerful, especially if that person is elevated by a prestigious title.
2) I did not agree with him – I respected his position, but I see America through a different perspective.
I found it sad that, given the opportunity, a person chose to throw a heavy tarp over well meaning, contributing individuals who had gathered to nourish their souls; people who probably struggle daily overcoming burdens and obstacles placed in their paths.
Collectively, I think America is full of good people doing honorable things. The man with one arm, peddling his bike to church, gave me more spirituality and hope with his silent behavior than the pastor gave with 15 minutes of eloquent speech. Unknowingly, the man with one arm, the woman with the canary voice, the piano player, and the numerous people helping each other reminded me to be grateful, humble, and appreciative of differences.
Yes, there are some people who come from bad genetics or traumatic experiences who want to bring harm to others, but I do not believe we can stereotype all of America into that category.
Collectively we are strong, contributing, and compassionate. Those who thrive on bombs, bullets, and bullying do not define the America I love, and, for my mental health, I refuse to let them overshadow the man with one arm biking to church.
Until the next time: Live while you live
Love everything you have to say…look forward to your article in the weekly paper
Thank you Traci – I’m glad to know that someone reads them and likes them:)
I really love to write and without an office anymore, it keeps me going too:-)
You keep me going
Great article!
Thank you…..it is one of my favorites….the man now has a three wheeled scooter. I met him at an estate sale. He came from Romania…??? Very nice person.
you certainly are not the only one reading your blog! Very interesting! Our pastors need to teach us the word AND provide encouragement!! No need to bother without it! So happy you’re doing this blog!
That is for sure! Here has to be an uplifting reason to listen for 30 minutes to a sermon. Thank you too for suggesting that I don’t just write for myself:)
Good to hear from you! I hope your life has relaxed a little!
Excellent article! And I totally agree … a sermon given without the mention of HOPE is a useless and possibly destructive message. The realities in our world today are truly overwhelming, especially without the HOPE we have in Christ. We cannot underestimate the power of encouragement!! There is always HOPE at the Cross!!
For sure! I was so excited when I met the man at an estate sale…quality guy. He now has a three wheeled blue scooter. He is a spiritual example.
Thank you for your comment!
I really liked
Thank you Vicki for your comment….I appreciate the time to let me know that it is being found and read…I hope this finds you and your family well!
The one thing I remember most about your office was a poster you had in the entry way. It gave small lessons in life and one that I do to this day is stop at every child’s Kool-aid stand & buy something. Thank you for all you have done for me.
Oh Anita – that is so very cool! I can just see your ornery smile as you walk up to the little kids….you are one big heart! Thank YOU right back!
Loved your article! I also choose to focus on the positive, good behavior I observe rather than to focus on the negative. I forget who said it, ” all it takes for evil to thrive, is for one good man to do nothing.” I choose to try and be the one who is striving to do good and make a difference one day and one person at a time. Love u Jennifer!
Great article, Jennifer!!! You are so right and I know that the Pastor thought he was delivering the correct message. Most importantly he should be applying biblical teaching to his congregation. Personal behavior certainly reflects our personality and what our role is in life. Christ took our place, bearing our sin, dying our death – – -so that we may share His place, be made His righteousness, and experience His life.