Authentic Compassion

Monday, January 17, 2011

Complaint Department


If you have goats (or children or dogs or trained monkeys) you hear complaints - from the incessant bleating I hear from these goats to whining from the dogs and I assume chattering and words from monkey and children. I saw books about how to complain effectively while I was book browsing on Amazon.com. There are Complaint Blogs, Complaint departments, and television is full of people's courts (what a ridiculous name) with people complaining about other people.
Dadgum folks - while I laugh at the goats grumbling - the country seems overrun with an entitlement attitude of "I ain't getting what I want and everyone has to hear about it". While scriptures tell us exactly how to resolve issues in the Body of Christ - how do we resolve things in the secular world? Does complaining help or do we have to take action? Seems a lot of words flying around now about how much damage is done by words - sticks and bones may break my bones - and words can absolutely strangle me. (Paraphrase by Linda Sue) A greater tone of civility wouldn't hurt anybody - no group should be screaming hateful phrases at any other group. While I'm totally unwilling to accept societal guilt for the actions of mentally ill people - any words I repeat or support are on my ledger sheet. Old slogan - we have two ears and one mouth so we can listen twice as much as we talk. Perhaps with all the "communication" which is supposedly taking place (text, twitter, facebook, blog, forum or bulletin boards) much of it is akin to graffiti - marking up something for our selfish motives. Obviously this isn't my cutesy Buhlaland blogging - I'm concerned our society has gotten so far off the rails of common sense, decency and respect for one another we won't find our way back.
14 Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (New Living Translation)
You think that's too simplistic? Is the world stronger in it's pull toward violence, vile language and discord than the Word is toward a peaceful path.
“Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble.” I Peter 3:8, The Message
It is better to be humbly grateful than grumbly hateful.
Chuck Swindoll , pastor and author
Ok if you don't want to take scriptural advice - how about sports advice?
There is a choice you have to make in everything you do. So keep in mind that in the end, the choice you make, makes you.
John Wooden

Seems too many choices are being made by polling, peer pressure or herd mentality - stop think and remember a word spoken cannot be taken back - but words unspoken can do no harm and no foul. That's the way I'm seeing it here on Buhlaland - it is good to be in a department other than the complaint department -

How about joining in the refreshments committee- refresh the air with gentle words and the stomachs with some treats - I promise some treat ideas soon.

10 comments:

Debbie said...

I'm with you. Instead of 'doing right', it's become of culture of 'my rights'. People don't want an answer that does not address their 'rights'. Me, me, me! I think I'd rather listen to goats!

Lanny said...

Amen.

Terry said...

Howdy
Amen
God is still in charge .
What a beautiful post .
Thank you for your sweet spirit of encouragement !
Until next time
Happy Trails

Pam said...

When I read this, I couldn't help but think of the Aflac commercial I saw tonight. They have a goat representing a competing insurance agency, and the goat answers ever question the same..."Naaaa!"

Here's the link...it's funny every time:
http://vodpod.com/watch/1541651-aflac-goat

That really has nothing to do with anything, but I will say a hearty "AMEN" to your post.

(And also a "THANK YOU" for continuing to follow me on my blogging journey!)

Vickie said...

Remember the Golden Rule, too. It's all about ME ME ME anymore, when it should be God, others, and ourselves - LAST. God post, Linda Sue.

Sorry I've been absent lately. What with the holidays and getting my daughter back to school... I'm back in the saddle again, I suppose!!! Looking back at your pics - your home is lovely!!! I hope Skip is feeling good!

KathyB. said...

Oh, I like this post very much LindaSue! I also like the term " refreshments committee" used this way.

How about another scripture " Be ye kind one to another". It doesn't cost anything to practice kindness to everybody, and sometimes the kindest thing we can do for a person is SMILE and be silent, and not join in the complaints, or offer an encouraging word....

My hand is in the sir, I want to join the "refreshments committee".

Thistle Cove Farm said...

AMEN! Linda, you're so correct; people are such whiners and complainers and I hate hearing it. Especially on a crowded elevator or escalator or street corner. I have NO interest in hearing what people are talking about, especially when there's foul language involved. I know I'd rather listen to the animals -grin-.

misty said...

Very good. I agreee with you!

slsommer said...

Oh, yes@

Cora from Hidden Riches said...

Great post, Linda! And there are times when my mouth sounds like a complaining goat!!!!!! It so goes against what Godly people have said about my having the gift of encouragement. Self does what its rights and screams for them to be honored, but I do know I gave up those selfish rights when I became a child of God and identified myself with the Christ of the cross. But self sticks its ugly head up at times, and become the complaining goat!!! Thanks for the reminder to count my blessings and to pass them on to others instead of asking for other to bless ME!