Amy Carmichael #BeWoW #WritersQuoteWednesday

I came across this quote and image on my Facebook feed several days ago and saved it for today.  

Image courtesy of the Banner of Truth; click rhe image for more information.

 

“Let nothing be said about anyone unless it passes through the three sieves: is it true? Kind? Necessary?”

– Amy Carmichael

It speaks volumes to me about how we ought to act but, seemingly nowadays, don’t. This is one of those rare times when I really hope my perception is off. 

This post is linked to both the BeWoW and Writers Quote Wednesday communities; make sure to check them out!

Truth: a haiku/haibun

When a person is afflicted with a life-changing condition, compounded by chronic ailments, at a relatively young age, a time when they are supposed to be in the prime of their life, it hurts: It hurts in a lot of ways. We look around at times and wonder, even ask, “Why? Why this and why me?”  Often it is only in our minds we question why, but occasionally the question becomes a cry – outloud. Every so often these times stretch from what is a basic sadness and frusteration into period of self-pity. And self-pity is no good, at any time, never being productive and often leading to a worsening of the overall situation. 

It is when these rare times of self-pity encompass me that Truth* steps in and shows me where I really am and where I easily could have been. I’m thankful for these “interventions”, snapping me back to reality. Because in truth, I am far more blessed than I should be, in far better shape than I’m supposed to be in, and far better off than many folks.

self-pity screams out
life – how unfair -look around
Truth – I’m so blessed

* Truth is capitalized here on purpose, for I am referring to God the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Truth as He is sometimes called. 

Linked to Haiku Horizons week 65 writing prompt “fair”.

Blinded Eyes

I spent quite a while pondering the thoughts shared by Chèvrefeuille, the host at Carpe Diem Haiku Kai, on the latest challenge which is delusion, #706, before I was able to put this post, the haiku and haiga together. In his thoughts he pondered upon the idea of delusions in the religions of the world, including the question of if the concept applies to Christianity. My best understanding of his thoughts are he is unsure; my beliefs  are solid and clear. 

I suppose I should preface my remarks with a couple of things. I in no way challenge the belief or faith of Chèvrefeuille; I’m using his post as the fuel I think it was intended to be, to think and write. And for full disclosure I state my beliefs and faith: I am a Christian who believes in the God of the Bible, as He is revealed in His inspired, infallible Word. I believe in a literal seven-day creation and that the accounts and persons of Scripture are just that- actual accounts not allegorical tales (except in the obvious and traditionally understood passages which are, mostly, contained in the psalms and wisdom books). I hold as true the traditional confessions of the faith including such things as The Apostles Creed. 

I agree there is delusion in all the religions he mentioned, including Christianity. But I believe that other religions are all delusion; reconciliation to God the Father is only through His Son Jesus Christ. 

The delusion in Christianity is the blinding of people to the truth, which is revealed through the Holy Spirit. Those who are “blinded” still see the message of the cross as foolishness while believers know it is the power of God to save us. (See 1 Corinthians 1:18-21)

  

The father of lies 
Blinded eyes from the real truth
Are opened by Christ

Again, I want to make it perfectly clear I am not making a personal attack on Chèvrefeuille. I am stating my solid faith and belief and am not apologetic for that.