Truth

For your consideration…

The truth is I have had this message to write for hours but am not sure how to do it justice. At some point, I know, you just have to try. I also know that if I don’t get it right, it will come back at me a different way until I do.

Truth matters. Truth comes from love. Words matter. They too need to come from love.

We are taught from an early age to always tell the truth. Then we get into the little white lie areas until we grow up and truly know how to lie and deceive. It is then that we learn that the truth is not always an easy choice. As I write this I think of my friend, Rosie, who would always have the mailman put the telephone and credit card bills in the shrubs versus the mailbox so Jerry would not see them…at least right away. I always chuckle when I remember these times.

So today’s message is about truth but it is much more specific in its goal. Is it ever ok to evade the truth? Does the truth always need to be spoken? If we see it and know it, are we obligated to speak it? Those are the tough calls. Sometimes people need to hear the truth, but are we the ones who are supposed to deliver it?

There is no good answer here. There is no “one shoe fits all” scenario. But there some truths that are for sure. We never should speak the truth with malice. We should never use truth to hurt someone. It is true. Sometimes the truth hurts. It can be hard to face the truth. But when we deliver the truth with words or our silence, it should never be with the intention to hurt. Truth, whether it hurts or not, should come from love.

That is the HOPE. And so it is.

Bit by bit, piece by piece, HOPE by HOPE action steps anyone can take…

-Affirm…“I am loved.”

-Meditate/pray…ask…”What is my next step for my highest good and the highest good of all?”

-Drink lots of water.

-Get outdoors and take in at least 10 deep breaths.

-Keep truth and love tied.

What made me smile yesterday…

-Ahhh, the sun finally rejoined us.

-A beautiful mass for Steve Short.

-Jody and I met AJ in Dexter. Jody had picked up Gabriel’s for him…his favorite…and I made some cookies.

-A little high school reunion in Depot Town.

-We watched the movie “Labor Day.” Then I started watching “Reacher.” I watch the same old TV shows because I can never remember any of the series people tell me was good. consequently I pay an arm and a leg for TV that I use very little of. Note to self; do better or get rid of it.

Love, Blessings, and Gratitude,

Rev. Chris