“I feel as bright as a flower garden!” This phrase is included in a book I am currently working on. It has to do with an unexpected gift of colorful clothing. The idea came from an account regarding my grandfather's visit to a neighbor. The story began something like this: "One day "Pat" (my Grandfather) came to the door in to bring some vegetables from the garden." The neighbor went on to relate how embarrassed she was to open the door because she had just gotten out of the shower and had to hurriedly put on whatever clothes were handy before answering the door. The clothes did not match and she did not really pay attention until she was nearly to the door. In fact the colors wildly clashed, and she still had a towel (also colorful) around her wet hair. Today, we would probably just not answer the door, but this was a small town and people did not do that when it was someone they knew. She went on to tell how embarrassed and silly she felt but she decided to open the door anyway expecting my grandfather to make a depreciating comment about how silly she looked (because that was how she felt). She was pleasantly surprised by what my grandfather said, “Why, you look as purty as a garden full of flowers!” That was how I remember my grandparents teasing. They allowed the one being teased to participate without losing face. As far as I can remember, no one left feeling “less than,” but rather “a part of” when jokes were told. Some are so quick to criticize and joke in ways that put others down. Why highlight and tear apart the flaws in the name of humor or“truth in love” or simply to feel superior? Have you noticed the world has become quick to see what is not right. We do want injustice exposed, yes. But not just exposed! As believers, our desire is for justice and to be right with God, to stand for Truth because it is good for us, not just good to us. We were made to be the representatives of Christ upon the earth, so it is difficult to stand silent when injustice is happening. But a balance is needed. To complain and only report what the devil is up to and neglect the report of what God is doing and what He has said in His Word about similar matters in the past, works counter to our desire for righteousness. Likewise, concentrating on the flaws, condemning and highlighting the areas of weakness in others or even ourselves, denies the value of who God says we are and all He has placed within us to accomplish His good purposes. The option is always before us when we hear reports that are negative or discern what is unjust. We must wisely, with the help of the Holy Spirit, know how to respond to these moments. In small and large matters, we can choose to support life or death, literally and figuratively. That power is in our tongue, what we say aloud and think in our hearts. It is in our conversation: blessing or curses, grace or gossip. The power is in our prayers, the Scriptures we remember and those we call on in prayer. God says He watches over His Word to perform it. What Word are we speaking, praying, believing? When my Grandfather's neighbor opened the door to him in her crazy outfit, in that moment, he chose to support life. How? His joking comment cut off erased any opportunity for embarrassment to take hold. The joking comment about the flower garden, found a positive place to land in her heart that did not wound. He made light of the moment, canceling any need for shame, and brought laughter to a memory. Any other response could have caused that woman to cringe for the rest of the day. Instead, she remembered the moment at his memorial service with gratitude and laughter, remembering his kindness. Be a blessing, choose life. Listen to those who recognize the opportunity to apply Truth to negativity. Grace and Peace, Anne Jeremiah 1:12 “You have seen well, for I am watching over My word to perform it.” Romans 8: 6 For the mind set on the flesh is death , but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, Proverbs 18:21: Death and life are in the power of the tongue : and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof. see also

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