Sunday - June 7, 2009
9"Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 11If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 12So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
Matthew 7: 9 - 12
While growing up, the passage above was one that was taught to us not only in church, at home, but in school as well. Ahhh - "The Golden Rule!" I even remember the passage - "Do unto others as you would have them do to You" - was actually posted in the front of the room!! Thinking back to those times, I'm sure it was a way for the teacher to try and teach us to be kind to one another - for the most part, it worked!!!!!
I was rather young when the impact of what this passage meant hit me like a lead balloon. For some reason Dad had come to school to pick me up! Most of you who knew Dad may remember he walked with a limp due to his injuries from WWII. I overheard some kids from another class laughing and making fun of him! I was hurt and mad at the same time. That evening Dad asked me what was wrong. When I told him and Mom what had happened, they talked about this passage and explained that some kids (and grown-ups) don't always follow God's word! They also told me to remember how I felt when someone spoke mean about someone I loved! Never say or do anything towards another that would cause them pain as I had just experienced. Always remember how you would feel if the action or words being said were directed towards me - if they made me feel good then it was okay, but if they hurt or made me feel bad, then don't do it!
This passage has been a leading force behind how I have tried to treat my family, friends, co-workers, students, neighbors, and strangers. Sometimes, as the teacher, I had to rely on "hard love" tactics, but it was something I hoped would eventually help my students become a better person!
Lately, I have heard and seen on FB and MySpace things said about others that are actually mean and demeaning. The person(s) saying or writing these comments think they are being "cute!" These are adults - no longer children - and they should know better! Should someone do the same thing towards them, would they think it was cute and funny. Probably not!!!!!! I guess I'm just trying to figure out why those who have been brought up by "The Golden Rule" can be cruel!
Those students who made fun of my Dad don't know what an impact that made on my life. I am very defensive when it come to my family and all those I love! My father was made fun of; I was made fun of because I wore glasses; my brothers were made fun of because we lived on the wrong side of town when in high school; my brother-in-law will not eat out in public because people stare at him because of his disability; and Mom is embarrassed to go out in public because of the bruises on her arms due to the medication she takes! My brothers and I toughened up our skin and ignored the snide remarks; Mom wears long sleeves when she goes out in public; but my brother-in-law still won't eat out!
This post is not for a pity party, but maybe a way to make us all a little more conscious of what we say and do! Will it hurt some one if I say or do this? Brushing it off and thinking they will get over it is not always the best attitude - what is sad is that some of the comments that has upset me lately are about people (some of which are children) I don't even know! Let us all be a little more sensitive towards others and what we say and do! What would Jesus Do if he were here??
Hmmmmm -something to think about isn't it????
I am posting some pictures of some of those I am and have been very protective of and love very much! Even though I don't have a picture of all my in-laws, I love them just as much as all those pictured below!
This is a picture of myself and John. I was very protective of him when we were in school. Mom says I even jumped the first grade teacher because she jumped John!! The next year we were placed in different classrooms!! John loved sports. He endured a lot from others when playing high school sports. Had all the players put in a fourth of the effort John did, HHS would have had winning seasons every year!! Those who played were those who had parents who were financially able to help support the boosters!
Two other men in my life who endured many cruel remarks - my father and grandfather! They both turned their heads and went on with life to the best of their ability! 
Now this person in my life may have brought on comments for obvious reasons! 
Ahh - the same man, but with a "polished" look now!
Another picture with two important men (and Littlefoot) in my life!
Bill with his brothers - John and Twink - Bill and Twink are very protective of John (when he allows them to be!) :):)!
John with his niece Ashlea and nephew David
Those I love and want to protect have grown up!!!
Dad and John are in their heavenly home now; Dink is recuperating from a heart attack and stroke; Mike and I are trying our best to help Mom and be there for Dink, his family, as well as for John's family whom we love very, very much!
Many years ago they were children - now they are all adults! Oh the days when I was a protector!
One of the last pictures taken of Dad and Mom together - he had just gotten out of the hospital. This was taken at Beech Fork during Christmas 2004!
Mom today - we try to help her all we can - at 89 she is stillgoing strong!
I wanted to post this one because of the love and look of protection on Granddad's face as he holds our precious Cora Ann!
This one shows the "new" family with Granddad and Mammaw their for support!
Cora Ann has become the one in which we all hope and pray will never have to endure cruel remarks or things done towards her! Food for thought straight from the Bible:
The Bible says, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers." Ephesians 4:29
Does this sound like sarcasm?
"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." Ephesians 4:31-32.
Two other men in my life who endured many cruel remarks - my father and grandfather! They both turned their heads and went on with life to the best of their ability! 
Toby is checking out the Christmas present - hmmm is it his???? Probably not - I think it was David's!!! :):)
Since Toby is losing his sight, he can not see the Frisbee, so we have discovered another game he loves - we call it Toby soccer. He plays with a large "beach" ball and chasing it around the yard. He loves this game, but he can now only play it for a few minutes before tiring out!
