Weeds Disguised as Truth

Our backyard has once again morphed into a jungle. In the beginning of the season, my perennial gardens start out looking controlled, contained and cared for. By the time it is mid-growing season, the plants have spread and are all over the place. In addition, the weeds have sprung up over night. One of the problems in trying to pull out those weeds or at least to contain them is that they grow incredibly close to the plants I want to keep. In fact some, like the morning glories have become so intwined with my butterfly bush, roses, bee balm and peonies that I cannot yank out the morning glories without doing some damage to those other plants.

This past weekend my husband and I watched Mrs. Wilson, a three episode “mini series” on Masterpiece theater on PBS. What I find fascinating is that it is based on a true story that happened not too long ago. The story begins with the death of a conventional loving husband who leaves behind a distraught wife and two sons. What begins to unfold is the story of his life, his many wives and children and the deception that he conveyed. While he was a published author (23 books), there are questions to ask if his behavior was all a cover for his spy activity for the British government. As with all intrigue and subterfuge, every statement or fact is questioned whether to its truth or not. One wonders was he really a spy or just a pathological liar?

Closer to home in geography and time, I know of a couple of people who either were children of a deceptive parent with other families or wives of deceptive husbands who juggled simultaneously multiple families.

It makes me think of the concept of lies and truth. In all the thrillers that I have seen, when prepping a person for deception the “handler” explains that if one wants to lie, it is best to stick somewhat to the truth and deviate just slightly. Supposedly there is less error to be tripped up by trying to remember all the details. By slightly veering off the truth course, the information imparted is seemingly more believable.

Ahh. Doesn’t the father of lies just love how we justify deceit. Nothing is new under the sun the Hebrew wiseman suggests. “Go ahead and eat the apple,” the snake advises Eve. “You are not going to die,” he tells her.

In one sense, that is partly true. Eve and Adam did not die after eating the apple but, they did kill their open, innocent, shame-less, face-to-face relationship with God. Their physical bodies became the expression of their spiritual sin and through their disobedience caused them (and us) to experience hurts, illnesses, pain and eventually physical death.

So, “No. Mr. Serpent”, they didn’t die but it brought forth human tragedy.

I feel that as a society we are still experiencing the tragedy of half-truths and bold lies. Falsifications that appear to be quite close to the truth but are not. Falsifications which puts us, as a society, in a position of hurt, pain and even death for ourselves and for others.

Lies and truth seem to be on the front page of the news every day. It doesn’t matter where you fall on the political spectrum or from which news source you get your information- all news seems to report half-truths. It is very rare to find some source that reports “just the facts” from all angles. In some instances, what is reported are blatant and bold-faced lies. Even then, one wonders if the refuted “facts” are true? The cry, “fake news” is in itself fake news.

How do we cut through to the truth? Is it like my trying to entangle the morning glory from my butterfly bush? Will there be loss of integrity in the process? Do I just let the morning glories stay entwined and not pull it out until the fall? There is a parable by Jesus: a farmer planted wheat and unbeknownst to the farmer, his enemy went at night and planted weeds among the seeds. When the wheat sprung up, so did the weeds. When the farmer was asked if the weeds should be pulled, the farmer replied to wait until the harvest lest the wheat plant be pulled up along with the weed.

In discovering truth we might have to pull the weeds and suffer damage- as was the case with Mrs. Wilson. Innocent people can get hurt when the truth is exposed. Yet we know that the truth sets us free. It frees us from guilt and shame. It can set us up for forgiveness- both to be forgiven and to forgive.

At other times we need to let things be, let the weeds and the wheat develop, to wait until harvest time when the true plant (truth) can be separated from the weeds (lies) which will then be destroyed. Sometimes by waiting, the true nature of the situation or person is exposed without having to try and convince another about it. Like the old adage, “The truth will come out in the wash,” in the due process of time, truth will be revealed.

It still can be difficult to stay the course for truth, both in our individual lives and in our society because lies by nature and definition, are very close to the truth. It is hard to ferret it out. For myself, I try to use Biblical teaching as my litmus test to Truth- what does God say about the current situation, specifically and/or fundamentally? What is the true motivation behind the story? What is being camouflaged? What is the emotional, “fluff” of the discussion? What is the essence of what is reported?

What about you? How do you suss out the truth? Do you pull out it regardless of the cost? Has there been collateral damage in the process? Have you been set free by truth? What lies have you heard? What lies have you told? What information with the passing of time have you found to be true or not?

One thing that always occurs to me as I am weeding: if I had kept on top of the weeding from the beginning, I would have destroyed them when they were manageable. That is the other thing with lies. They need to be stopped as soon as they are uttered. If not, they will grow and grow until there is no other recourse than to destroy everything.

Day 23: Words and Pictures: Truth

I have been thinking about our trip to Italy a few years back. It was a wonderful trip with the family. We spent about 4 days in Rome, staying at a local apartment in the Monti neighborhood, one of the oldest sections in Rome located a few blocks from the Colosseum. We did the “touristy” things as well as our own travel plans.

So when in Rome… we took a tour of the Vatican Museum and the Sistine chapel. The artwork was exquisite. I find that only now as I look at interpretations and explanations of what we saw, that I truly appreciate that which I saw.

The Stanza della Segnatura, a room once the papal library, contains frescoes by Raphael. Click here for a link about the room. As the video explains, the room depicts the four branches of human knowledge as classified during the Renaissance time. One wall is dedicated to philosophy and sciences. Across the room another wall is painted representing theology. Poetry and Justice “squaring” out the room on the remaining walls. All four areas complement each other.

I like the symbolism of that. No one discipline is higher over the other but through the balance of all, do humans discover the world around themselves. The theologian Karl Barth is purported to have said, “A preacher needs newspaper in one hand and a Bible in the other.” I like Barth’s symbolism of seeing, understanding and interpreting the world around you in light of one’s faith.

In light of the assault on our physical, emotional, financial and spiritual health this virus has taken, perhaps we need to revisit the way we view our human understanding, to look at the way we interpret the world through the eyes of all four branches of human knowledge: Perhaps we should have more faith in the sovereignty of a deity, in unanswered prayer and unexplained miracles and certainly we should have more faith in our scientists and medical personnel who follow-trends, look at data and conduct research. So too, we should have more faith in poetry, literature, art, music and the arts as these disciplines can decipher, explain, and transcend our time and space. Along with those three, perhaps we need more faith and commitment to justice for all. It is in our searching in these disciplines do we uncover Truth.

Over the course of human history we have seen when one discipline of human understanding dominates at the expense of the others. When that happens, we as humans become off-kilter. I think of the Inquisition (theology or rather religion gone totally off-kilter); Nazi Germany (justice dominated- or rather injustice due to the silence of the other disciplines); Fall of Roman Empire leading into the Middle ages (many different reasons but the change in social structure didn’t lend to scientific discoveries); The Lost Generation (putting faith and trust into intellectual creativity). For all of these examples, there was more of an emphasis on one area in decision making for the society than another. There wasn’t any balance of Truth which was deadly at the worst and caused disillusionment at the least.

When I enter the Stanza della Santura I think of God in the center of the ceiling- joining all four walls together. Because I believe that all the disciplines flow out of God’s hands. Human intellect and how we categorize our understanding of the world is one of the greatest gifts we have been given. When He is in the apex all other things are balanced around Him. Then, I think the disciplines can be properly aligned to search for meaning and to uncover the truth.

What about you? Have you ever had a trip that stayed with you? That had you think of life in a different way? Where was it or what was the circumstances? What did you discover? How has that shaped your world view?

Reality Check

Recently I stayed at a hotel while attending a family event.  It was a lovely facility, set in a wooded area with lots of footpaths, plenty of inviting seating throughout, a full spa, etc.  The thing is, everything about the experience- from the driveway approaching the front door, to the toiletries in the bathroom- was all about the "experience".  Staying there would make you feel picture perfect, glamorous, elegant, no worries, no problems, thin, tan and straight white teeth.  And it was all fake.

Full disclosure- I haven't stayed in many hotels nor do I travel much.  So it was a complete surprise when the television contained a menu complete with my name on the top, "Welcome Virginia Ruth.." as if they had taken such personal care in my stay. On the menu one could choose the television, internet connection, dining options and a myriad of other activities.  Unfortunately it appeared that I could not connect to anything.  All that would display on the television was a very slick ad repeating over and over, encouraging one to plan another stay with this hotel chain.

 I was not interested in all the gadgetry.  I just wanted to check the local news/weather. 

At our son's graduation there was a swarm of camera phones being held up to film the momentous occasion.  If one was from another planet, you would've thought that the crowd  was performing some religious ritual in which each person raises a rectangular object towards a robed gathering on stage.  

Certainly it is important to capture what we can on film.  But when capturing the moment takes precedence over being in the moment it makes you wonder? The family sitting next to us was so busy trying to film their daughter walking across the stage via focusing their camera on the jumbotron.  Each one had their eye through a lens but didn't look at the actual stage so that after their daughter passed, they turned to each other, "Did anyone see Jennifer go across the stage? Did anyone get a still picture of her?"  No one had.  

I think we may have come to a societal place where virtual ideas, experiences and relationships have taken over reality.  Even our so called news can be questioned as to whether all or parts of what is reported took place and is true.  Of course, we all know that Facebook pictures are a highlight reel of only what is the best and greatest disguised as "Ho-hum, our lives aren't that perfect.  Not."

If you are like me and frustrated with this made up world, what can we do?  How do we keep a reality check and how do we not get sucked into the vortex of virtual life? 

I think we need to remember the basics.  We are flawed as humans. No one is perfect.  There is no perfect body, relationship, physical setting or material object.  That doesn't mean that being flawed is bad it just means that is how it is.  In some way that should cause a great humankind sigh of relief.  Everyone falls short.  No one is better or worse than another.  That is the reality.

We need to be wary of anything smelling of slickness: advertising (All they want is your money), latest time saving gadget (Really? Will it add quality years and meaning to my life?), carefree lifestyle (And who is having the carefree lifestyle?  The underpaid employees who keep the fake lifestyle going?) 

Looking at life realistically does not mean that we should be pessimistic.  When we view life realistically we see flaws but we also see possibilities and opportunities for change and growth.  We see ways that others might be struggling and we can help knowing that we too struggle.  It produces real relationship. 

When we view life realistically we compare that what is promoted and said with what is true.  When we use truth as a template, most things even if difficult, will fall into place.  The truth will set you free.  Free from disappointment in false expectations, free from confidence destruction comparisons with others, free from wasted time and energy on something that is not really there. 

That is the reality check.

Forever Treasures

Last week when I was walking to town during my "cracker dog" moment (see January 9th's post)  I noticed an area that is undergoing construction.  Or rather, it is the side of the road that is housing the construction equipment for the construction work being done across the street.  This equipment parking area is all torn up with deep ruts in the ground and bushes and small trees toppled over. Where the equipment hasn't torn up the area, the weeds and neglect of care have the other areas overgrown and looking quite desolate.

If I hadn't known what was there before, I would've thought that the equipment people were just parking in an abandoned lot.

Thing is, this was once a small, beautiful and beautifully maintained garden in memory of a prominent garden club member.  By the looks of the neglect, it seems as if I may be the only one who has remembered it and her. 

Now there may be plans to which I am not privy of revitalizing the garden once the construction across the street is complete.  I certainly hope so. 

And I couldn't help but remember the story of Englishman Roger Bannister the first man to run a mile in under four minutes.  Never had it been done before. The closest was Gunder Hagg from Sweden who, in 1945 ran a mile in 4:01.4. Yet, on May 6, 1954 Mr. Bannister ran it in 3:59.4. I sure that he was elated as were all the running fans. And he probably thought that it might be some time, like the nine years it took him, before someone would break his record.  

Thing is, in less than a year Australian John Landy broke that record with a time of 3:58.0

Just goes to show you that our accomplishments and tributes don't stay around for very long.

The neglected garden and the breaking of sporting records are gentle reminders to me to not put my hopes, my dreams, my sense of self all into the basket of accomplishment.  For if I do, someone else will push me out or dash my hopes and dreams.  There will always be someone else who surpasses our accomplishments like setting a new record or there will always be something that is more pressing than maintaining a piece of unused land like building a new shopping site.

I need to think of myself more than what is achieved. I need to remember the words of Jesus; not to store up treasures on earth that can rust, but lay up treasures in Heaven. 

What does that look like?  For me it means working towards and contributing to a purpose greater than myself.  To know that I have made a difference in the world but that I don't rest on my laurels of whatever contribution that might be. To not be overwhelmed, smitten or too confident in what "I've" produced, created or acquired.  To realize all can be lost in an instant and it is the intangible things like relationships, character, and truth that withstand. 

It is hard.  We are society that takes great pleasure in celebrating, almost deifying those who are "accomplished" aka "successful".  Certainly there is a time for recognition and celebration. I am all for the kudos and the reaping of the benefits from working hard.  But that shouldn't be the raison d'etre.  One hopes that one would be recognized for one's work but there are so many people working hard and never getting any type of recognition or thanks.

Even though the garden was a fitting tribute to our town gardener, it didn't take long before it was destroyed.  At the time the memorial garden was commissioned it was big deal because she was pretty prominent in town helping to shape the gardens around public buildings. Yet it is not the garden that I focus on.  I remember her because she was kind and helpful.  When we had our first house and I wanted to venture into gardening, she recommended some books to us.  We still have the books and I think of her fondly whenever I refer to them. 

What about you?  Can you think of accomplishments, either for yourself or others that have been surpassed?  If it was your own, how does that make you feel?  What kind of treasures are you storing? Earthly or heavenly? 

E for Encouragement

The scenario: A world leader who rules through suppression of freedoms and instillation of fear. A world leader who comes to power due to the complacency of voters.  A world leader who speaks for the disenfranchised who once had a voice. A world leader who claims moral victory yet doesn't live by any moral code.  A world leader who no one thought would ever be voted into office.

Sound like 2016?  Actually it is the underlying scenario for the 2006 movie, V for Vendetta.  Over the holidays, our son suggested watching it.  "Following world war, London is a police state occupied by a fascist government, and a vigilante known only as V (Hugo Weaving) uses terrorist tactics to fight the oppressors of the world in which he now lives. When V saves a young woman named Evey (Natalie Portman) from the secret police, he discovers an ally in his fight against England's oppressors."

It was thought provoking,entertaining and timely. Bear in mind, it is an action movie and one based on a comic book so there are plenty of scenes of "willing suspension of disbelief".  And while I did find it disturbing that the solution and hero to the problem was a masked terrorist who manipulates his followers, there was some good dialogue:

"Because while the truncheon may be used in lieu of conversation, words will always retain their power. Words offer the means to meaning, and for those who will listen, the enunciation of truth. And the truth is, there is something terribly wrong with this country, isn't there? Cruelty and injustice, intolerance and oppression. And where once you had the freedom to object, to think and speak as you saw fit, you now have censors and systems of surveillance coercing your conformity and soliciting your submission. How did this happen? Who's to blame? Well, certainly, there are those who are more responsible than others, and they will be held accountable. But again, truth be told, if you're looking for the guilty, you need only look into a mirror. I know why you did it. I know you were afraid. Who wouldn't be? War, terror, disease. They were a myriad of problems which conspired to corrupt your reason and rob you of your common sense. Fear got the best of you, and in your panic you turned to the now high chancellor, Adam Sutler. He promised you order, he promised you peace, and all he demanded in return was your silent, obedient consent."   ~ speech given by the protagonist "V" to the people of 2020 England who inhabit this dystopia. 

In some ways this might not seem like a Happy New Year message but I think that it is one that is needed. The new year is a good time for reflection. Now is the time for us to step back and think about our past, both individually and societally.   To reflect on our current situation, our responsibility and our hand in the process. Now is the time to name the problem.

And...

Now is the time to go forward and make changes, whether that is for a situation that is personal, community related, family oriented or societal. Depending upon what we have experienced we might have to take different action steps:  we might have to seek information, to stay informed, to ask forgiveness, to become involved, or to sacrifice.

I suggest that 2017 is the time to individually and corporately stand up for what is right, truthful and good. Now is the time to encourage others to do the same.  Now is the time to use our words for good, for encouragement, and for relaying the truth. 

I think what resonated with me in this film is the power of words and ideas.  While I don't agree about the use of force, the hero has some good statements about the use of words.   Perhaps there are times when force is necessary but I think the pen is mightier than the sword.  I think kind, thoughtful, and inspiring words can do more to elicit change than violence, intimidation and fear. 

 What about you?   Do you view 2017 as a year of fear or hope? How do you portray your ideas? Do you think that violence is necessary to make a point?   What is your "initial": are you a "V" for vigilante or are you an "E" for encourager?  Do you feel any societal responsibility? What action steps can you take to contribute towards change? 

Toothpaste Lies

There was an interesting story on the NPR Story Corp. A 94 year old gentleman originally from Atlantic City, NJ shared a shameful secret that he has been harboring all these years:

"When I was 8 years old, I was running in the schoolyard and my arm struck the eyeglasses of one of the students. And he began to cry. He was going to tell his father. It would cost two dollars to fix the glasses. And I was frightened to death — where was I going to get the two dollars?  We had a cleaning lady by the name of Pearl, a black woman. And I knew that every week, she’d get two dollars for her services. On this particular day, I was so terrified, I took the two dollars, and took it to the teacher and settled the problem of the broken glasses.

When Pearl finished her day’s work, she went for the two dollars and they weren’t there. And my mother said there was no question that Pearl took the two dollars and didn’t admit it. And my mother was so angry, that she told Pearl not to come back anymore.  And then the word leaked out that Pearl was a thief, and Pearl couldn’t get another job. And she had several children.

I was the only one who knew the true story. And I didn’t tell anyone. And I was smitten with grief at what I had done. I kept that secret to the age of 94, which is hard to believe, but the event never left me."

What a story.  Makes one realize that our parents' admonishment to tell the truth regardless of the outcome was true. I know that as a parent, a lie sets me into an orbit of anger.  I have always said that I prefer the truth (and would try and not get angry even if the truth and the subsequent incident was caused by stupidity or poor judgement) over any lie. Lying has deep implications. There is no such thing as an insulated incident. The choices we make in one incident affect the choices of others. It becomes the domino effect.  What happened to Pearl?  Since she was "blackballed" from getting another job, what did she do? What happened to her children?

It reminds me of the analogy of toothpaste and lies. When we lie it is like squeezing too much toothpaste out of the tube. It cannot go back. We must be judicious in how much toothpaste we use. So too, we must be judicious with the words that we use. We have to weigh our words carefully. Once a lie is spoken, it is out there forever.  We can try and rectify it but ultimately the words cannot go back.  And in the case of destroying a reputation, those lies are toxic.  

Certainly, one can see the rationale behind the eight-year-old's decision; he was scared, he wanted to do what was right with the glasses and he probably didn't think the $2 was such a big deal for his mother- she could just give Pearl some more. He probably never thought that his mom would accuse Pearl of taking the original $2 and claiming that she didn't get it.

 And, who are we to judge? After all, I am sure all of us have had situations where we have lied and not "fessed" up. Perhaps we would tell ourselves that those little white lies didn't harm anyone, but did they?  Do we really know the lengths and depths of the impact of the words we say?  In the case of this elderly gentleman, the lie was with him his entire life. 

What about you?  Have you ever done something of which you were ashamed?  Have you ever told anyone?  Is it something that you can try and "repair" any damage? 

What do you do when you encounter lies in others?  Do you challenge it?  Do you ask for the truth?  Do you have to be a detective to suss out the truth?  Is it worth the effort?  

Maybe our tube of toothpaste can be a daily reminder that our words are to be truthful. That anything coming out of our mouth should be used for good.