Rock Dropping
I have been ill for the past week, confined to home and rest by doctor's orders and while it sounds fun, I am bored. So . . . I have resorted to watching television. Let me just tell you what a negative activity this is. First of all, there is very little fit to watch. Secondly, the things on television, even if they are news shows and talk shows, portray people in such a vile and evil light that I found myself becoming sarcastic, cynical and downright condemning. I can't tell you how many times in the last three days I have said, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" (With that same tone of voice :) ) It occurred to me yesterday afternoon that not only was I physically ill, but I was also on the path to contracting a spiritual illness, of sorts.
Yesterday, I watched a talk show where a woman spoke of being married three times, always to guys in prison, telling the host, she just really liked "bad boys". She is currently married to a man, serving a life sentence for murder. She is concerned that when he is paroled (in 2010), he will no longer be attractive to her and she will divorce him. She takes her small children, I think they were like 18 months and 4 years old, to visit him in prison. As I watched this story, I thought, "Are you kidding me?" I found myself making judgements about this woman's character, about her parenting skills, about her marriage, and about her willingness to come on national television and expose them to the world. I allowed myself to think really ugly thoughts about this woman.
But then, praise God, the Holy Spirit pricked my conscience and reminded me that if Jesus were there with her, He would love her. He would most likely smile at her, take her hand, and offer her hope. He would look sadly at those of us in the audience, shaking our heads and rolling our eyes. And He would tell us it was okay to stone this woman. He would tell us the one without sin should start this process. And then He would turn His attention back to the woman, smiling encouragement, His kindness accompanied only by the silence . . . and the sound of dropping rocks.
Peace
Neva
Yesterday, I watched a talk show where a woman spoke of being married three times, always to guys in prison, telling the host, she just really liked "bad boys". She is currently married to a man, serving a life sentence for murder. She is concerned that when he is paroled (in 2010), he will no longer be attractive to her and she will divorce him. She takes her small children, I think they were like 18 months and 4 years old, to visit him in prison. As I watched this story, I thought, "Are you kidding me?" I found myself making judgements about this woman's character, about her parenting skills, about her marriage, and about her willingness to come on national television and expose them to the world. I allowed myself to think really ugly thoughts about this woman.
But then, praise God, the Holy Spirit pricked my conscience and reminded me that if Jesus were there with her, He would love her. He would most likely smile at her, take her hand, and offer her hope. He would look sadly at those of us in the audience, shaking our heads and rolling our eyes. And He would tell us it was okay to stone this woman. He would tell us the one without sin should start this process. And then He would turn His attention back to the woman, smiling encouragement, His kindness accompanied only by the silence . . . and the sound of dropping rocks.
Peace
Neva
posted by Neva | 8:44 AM
29 Comments:
Neva,
I always love your posts, but this one really touched me. I have seen that episode and I remember my judgemental thoughts about that woman. I was so busy seeing all of her faults that I failed to see my own. Thank you for reminding me to drop my rocks.
Monica
I was watching "that show" yesterday too (I don't normally watch shows during the day, but I was cleaning & like some noise so I occasionally turn the TV on). I had to catch myself like you did. It would be interesting to know that we were on the same wavelength throughout the show, feeling the same reminder from the Spirit at the same time (what a connection, sister!). I felt so saddened by the path this woman has locked herself into, and her children most especially. I was praying for her yesterday afternoon and hope she might soon find the Way.
I am so thankful that the Holy Spirit does that to me often too. Isn't it amazing how we think we are really not judging kind of people and then something like this happens to humble us?
Good post
Pat
Neva,
You know I hear you about judging. Luke chapter six tlaks of not judging others. He goes on to note the measure we use will be measured to us. But, He does spea of fruit and foundation. Thank you Lisa for the thoughts of this woman finding the Lord. The world around us says don't judge. But we can't just leave it there. I need to not be judgemental about whatever. It is tempting to judge the parenting and values ... of our neighbors. I can't be simplistic and think well who cares if they smoke dope, to each ihs own. I have to be responsible enough to use that knowledge to decide how best for my kids to interact not just blow them off.
James
Thank you for reminding me to be more like Jesus and less like me.
Jean
We are all guilty. Thanks for the nudge
Dan
James is right, if we ruled out all of the sinful stonable (or stoned) people in town and their kids then we would have to homeschool. It has been interesting to coach Josh on how to play nicely and not let their threats or actions of punching him or their bad words be a guide as to how he should respond as well. He has to have friends and learning how to distance himself by doing right and not alienating himself by not being too righteous is not easy to teach or do.
Jesus did say go and sin no more to more than one person.
Kath
The point isn't what the woman is doing or is not doing. The point is the value of her soul. The sinful woman was seen as a valueable person. Did Jesus think she would remain sinless? Of course not, but He still thought her worth His time and effort. We, as His ambassadors have to feel the same way. For most of us, that means keeping our superior attitudes in check.
Good post sister,
Dean
That gave me chills. Such a good reminder.
Oh Neva! That hit my heart right on target. I watched the last half hour of that show and felt such hurt for her and her children. And yet, I was sarcastic toward her. As it hit you and Lisa, I realized that I cannot judge her. It is not my place to, all I can do is offer prayers and love.
Neva,
I agree with Monica, your posts are always good but there was something particularly touching about this one. Why is it so easy to condemn and so difficult to feel love and compassion? I am going to work on that. Thank you friend for reminding me.
Love ya
Carol
"Why do we do this? Why do we get so caught up in doing church that we forget to be church? "
I think I heard you say that before. It is encouraging to me that even you struggle with this. Seems we all do. I appreciate your openness and your insight.
Love
Rachel
"His kindness accompanied only by the sound of dropping rocks."
Wow. what a poweful picture your words paint. I was touched by this post and by some of the comments. i picked up a little round stone on my walk today. I have been rubbing it between my fingers, hoping that evertime I reach in my pocket and feel it, i will remember to drop my rock and see someone in need of Jesus.
Thank you so much,
Eileen
You told me Neva, this is the thought of the day or last couple of days. My earlier post was the initial thought of the moment. I also noticed the title at the time. I just kinda skipped over the dropping of the rocks and went to the part Kathy picked up on, the go and sin no more.
I know what it is to feel naked and vulnerable in front of accusers. I am many times guilty of wrong doing. It it this nakedness we want to ignore in church. We don't have the transparency or honesty to confront the situation. We would rather pretend like the people in the Emperor's New Clothes. Sharing deeply the naked truth is too much. The best we can do is drop the rocks and walk away.
James
Maybe this is not your experience but it is mine.
James,
I posted once about the meaning of the word condemned. I really got hung up the idea of houses or buildings being condemned and how that concept or idea relates to what we often do to sinful people. I also mess up all the time. My nakedness is not as much of an issue for me as the idea that I have been condemned, found to have no value, uninhabitable. The idea that I could be perceived as being too sinful for the Holy Spirit to live in me, causes my heart to break. I am ashamed for the times when I have judged others so harshly. Then I stand before the world, not only naked but also hopeless.
I do not advocate sweeping sin under the rug or denying it but there is a difference in confrontation and condemnation. That is really where I was coming from.
The best thing about this thought sharing forum is we all get to see different perspectives. Thank you for your comments and for being my brother.
Peace
n
How come you always "ouch" me?
Just kidding, I really need posts like this. thank you
Lyndsay
Neva,
Hope you get to feeling better soon. I too find myself judging instead of looking at the person through Jesus' eyes. Thanks for the reminder.
When you work out in the real world, you find this judging becomes a real easy habit to get into. Thank you for reminding us all to drop our rocks and be more loving.
Carlos
Something to think about---
Karli
These kind always hurt me. I try so hard to be a good mom--and then I get critical when I see others who dont do things like I do. Thank you, Neva
Yvonne
Aren't you glad God uses all of us, our thoughts, our struggles, even our blogs :) to help us all minister to one another, to encourage and love one another so that we can share this wonderful journey, bless you all, Neva and the ones who comment, for your part in this blog.
Thank you for the encouragement.
Oh Neva
You really cant know how much I needed this reminder. It has been a rough week spiritually and I have been so judgemental, so angry. Thank you for replanting my feet and refocusing my vision.
I love you,
Mary
Everyday we must remind ourselves that but for the grace of God, so go we . . .
Good post, good reminder, good insight.
Glad I stopped by. Found you on the CWO blogroll.
Donna J.
Hi, Neva!
I found your blog through my iends' blogs -- Bev's and Jim's. I had to let ,y dog out at 3am this morn, so thought I would read a bit to stay awake long enough to wait for her to come in. Well, she's been back in for quite a time now is is back asleep. I think I've read all your posts down to 'Accidental Christian'.
What a compelling writer you are! And what a blessing to my soul in the middle of the night!
We get TV programmes like this in the UK (many come from the US, too.) Your Rock Dropping imagery will stay with me a long time.
If it weren't so late perhaps I might leave a more prolific riposte, but until I'm awake enough to do that, please accept my thanks!
Blessings!
I also found your blog through a friends blog/recommendation. You commented in the past to my friend Marilyn. Yuo seem to have known her for quite some time. I have just met her but she has opened up her arms and her heart to me and my family. She encouraged me to read your blog, she said it would inspire me. She was right. You are very talented and so good at mixing just hte right about of thought provoking with encouraging, I admire that. I appreciate your open honest posts. I will, with your permission, visit here frequently.
In Christ's love,
Courtney
Neva - You have an insightful soul -- You go right for the jugualr of my judgemental conscience.
The sound of dropping rocks and the sound of Jesus kindly,gently whispering to her (and to all of us)
-- "What does no one condemn you - neither do I (and under his breath -no I don't condemn you I love you enough that I die for you) -- Go and sin no more.
God Bless
Charlie
Courtney, Deb, and Donna,
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you come back to visit again. I love and appreciate the comments.
Marie, glad to see you again, sister.
Thank you all for your response to this post and to all of them. Y'all are helping me grow.
Love and peace
Neva
A friend sent me to Monica and she sent me here, she was right, this is a very touching post. I am so glad I came by. I will think about this a lot.
Jessica
Neva,
We've all got family that we're not proud of. Family that we're embarassed of. Family that if watch "Jerry Springer" long enough will show up on his show.
But no matter how different people are from us ... they're really not all that different.
I think I'll put my rock down too. Thanks
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