God, Pretense & Cynicism

Pretense leads to cynicism, as a matter of course. The pretender suppresses truth, and, so is left without a remedy and resolution for sin's reality (reality which, for unspoken reasons, s/he believes is better left ignored). However, it is only a matter of time that the one without recourse or remedy becomes the cynic. Such a one needs God's specific care. This is a profound reality, as only God's grace confronts deeply and entirely and offers freedom to the pretender who, from constant use of pretense, now thoroughly doubts the possibility of something real, let alone deeply good and even true.

Jesus had much to say about these things: His word, the Truth, believing and doing truth, and freedom, and, the funny thing is, it seems like He often mentioned these ideas in the context of an invitation. If you will, take a moment and google a few scriptures. They are wonderful scriptures for meditation; I pray that you'll see what I mean. (John 8:31-32; John 15; Matthew 11:25-30)

The point is, God does not leave the pretender or the cynic without resolution.  Such resolution is found in Christ, the Son of God, the crucified One, slain for all, though all will not believe.  Yet, He was slain - not in cynicism or pretense, but in Truth.  May His humility and love rescue rebel hearts, and in the rescuing, may we be amazed at His wonder, His grace.  Amen.

On Culture and Being Nerdy

I am thinking about how culture is created, specifically the "culture" of a home, and even more specifically, the "culture" of our own home. Also, how broader "culture" becomes a reflection of home-life, even many homes, and how homes absorb and reflect the broader culture, for better or for worse; of our daily habits cultivated over time, habits set like stone and attitudes, and of the things we intentionally absorb and those we absorb by default or complacency, or tiredness; and of the skills and potential contained within a single family unit for the betterment of society, of the things we give ourselves to, collectively and in solitude. Am also thinking about my role, as mother, as example and creator of "culture" that holds a great potential to become either a positive or negative influence within our home, and within culture. I think that I think too much, and my children would call this nerdy. LOL ;)