Likely

To the list of endangered species could we
please add the language of kindness?
We have devolved into mean-mouthed brats
entitled to speak our truth. Truth, schmuth.
The older ones still bite their tongues but
we’ve no time for their silly slowness.
We prefer to devour one another having
perfected a taste for platform, God help us.
In a battle of wills the worst thing is winning.
We are not teaching our children well and it is
likely when we are old they will neglect us.
 
 
 

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23 Comments

  1. Christie on January 30, 2013 at 4:34 pm

    A terrible truth.

  2. Jennifer@GDWJ on January 30, 2013 at 4:36 pm

    Thank you. Good, good words. ~ Jennifer Lee

  3. Brenna D (@chicagomama) on January 30, 2013 at 4:44 pm

    Beautiful words this morning.

  4. wynnegraceappears on January 30, 2013 at 5:02 pm

    Amen. I thought it was just me.

  5. nwhannas on January 30, 2013 at 5:27 pm

    I love humor, and hope that I’m most often kind-hearted and self-deprecating in my use, rather than sarcastic and mean. Words to ponder. Thank you, John. And, yes, biting one’s tongue, though a bloody experience, is a skill worth a million times more than any truthful sound-byte. Our family rule here is that it’s better to be kind than to be right.

    • thebeautifuldue on January 31, 2013 at 12:24 pm

      I think you’re good, GH. Some of the stuff out there though is not good, not at all.

  6. Josh on January 30, 2013 at 6:28 pm

    We confuse being right with being righteous. We often rail to convince ourselves, to claim an identity, as much as to instruct anyone else – forgetting that it is the still water which most accurately reflects what is Above.

    But then there are the reflections of Jesus flipping tables with a whip in His hand, of His future return with a sword in His mouth and an army at His back. So maybe what we need most is the wisdom to see His work in a moment more clearly, so that in our desire to contribute we may choose the proper tool.

    • thebeautifuldue on January 31, 2013 at 12:25 pm

      Josh, thanks for taking the time to respond. Yes, Jesus had his moments…

  7. julie on January 30, 2013 at 6:57 pm

    wow- powerful. thanks, i needed to hear that.

  8. mike graves on January 30, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    Amen from Arkansas

  9. Diana Trautwein on January 31, 2013 at 5:40 am

    I believe this is the first angry poem of yours I’ve read. And this is a topic for anger, frustration. It should be possible to be firm, clear and kind, shouldn’t it?

    • thebeautifuldue on January 31, 2013 at 12:26 pm

      Diana, it is angry, which means its sad. I do agree, we can be clear and kind, or at least we must try.

  10. Redemption's Beauty on January 31, 2013 at 3:11 pm

    Stopped by on Seth’s recommendation because he’s so wise.And I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, a bit grieved by well meaning Christians who get lots of likes and comments and followers for the way they judge and criticize others. Jesus wasn’t very popular when he began to build his platform, I’m wondering why we think we need to be. How easily platform can become an idol, can’t it?

  11. Shelly Geyer on January 31, 2013 at 3:44 pm

    I want to live kindness more than desiring to win…Lord help me. I don’t comment often, but I wanted to say that I also share Seth’s fondness of your work. Your words draw my eyes to the unseen….and my hope returns to where it should always have been.

  12. hisfirefly on January 31, 2013 at 3:47 pm

    Ouch! Truth well spoken.

  13. Kelly @ Love Well on February 3, 2013 at 8:53 pm

    I’ve left this open on my computer ever since you printed it – a sticky note for the digital age, I suppose. Part of me wants to shout Hallelujah. I’m weary and heartsick of all the anger. It seems a horrible waste of energy, most of the time. But then I wonder if I’m not wasting my time being angry at the angry.

    One thing I know: The older I get, the more I hunger and thirst for humility and gentleness, for those who breathe grace and know the value in staying silent.

    • thebeautifuldue on February 3, 2013 at 9:06 pm

      Kelly, I know exactly what you mean…its exhausting. Maybe it has to do with our age…if so, I’d say we’re aging gracefully.

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