Elevate the Level of the Conversation

You may have heard me say that Donald Trump has dominated the news and conversation every day since the middle of June 2016.  We are now at the end of August 2018.  Even with the recent death of Senator John McCain, 45 dominated that conversation by remaining silent.  How ironic is that?  I heard Charles Stanley say something about elevating the level of our conversation some years ago.  Recently, I read something similar in a book I'm reading, "Didn't See It Coming" by Carey Nieuwhof.  The book will launch September 4, 2018.  You can pre-order a copy at https://careynieuwhof.com/didnt-see-it-coming/.  I'm on the launch team and have an advanced, uncorrected proof, copy.

In the book, Nieuwhof talks about elevating the level of conversation.  I know we have needed to do that for a long time.  Talking about people is not always positive and up lifting.  Talking about events is not always inspirational.

Here is and excerpt from the book, "... several other things will happen when you elevate the level of conversation with the people around you.  First, you'll genuinely learn about how others are, which will foster a meaningful connection with them.  Second, people are starved for real conversation.  You'll discover that your relationships become far more life giving.  Third, you'll soon move beyond the "How are you?" kind of conversation and start talking about deeper things.  You'll move beyond people and events and start to have life-giving conversations about ideas, possibilities, truth, dreams, hopes, and ambitions.  Your level of thinking will elevate.  Finally, you may even find yourself being sought after as a friend, confidant, or mentor.  The skill of meaningful conversation is so rare these days that when people find it, it's like they've discovered treasurer, which, of course, they have."

My goal is to not mention 45 at all; not even as 45.  Children in America who are just learning how to talk will have "Trump" as part of their vocabulary, just because that name is repeated so often.  Children don't listen to us when we talk to them.  They listen to us when we talk to others.  We have the option of choosing our conversation.

The next time someone asks, "Did you hear what T---- tweeted last night?", elevate the level of the conversation.  Peace  <>< 

I am the author of GIVING TIME: Dramatically Improve Church and Personal Finances and Raise the Level of Generosity.  Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, my website or your favorite bookseller.

HAS OPRAH REPLACED JESUS?

The headline of the article in The Grapevine/THE ROOT reads, “It’s Over for Russell Simmons; Oprah Has Excommunicated Him.”  My immediate response is, “No, she has not excommunicated him.”  Checkout the article here.  The writer of the article, Monique Judge, assumes that Oprah has replaced Jesus.  Or she assumes that Oprah is the head or founder of a religion and has the authority to kick people out.  All Oprah did was make her book, The Wisdom of Sundays, into a kind of Jefferson Bible.  The new edition will exclude Russell Simmons and his contribution.  If there is something in it that she wants to take out or change, she can do that.  It is her book.

From what or from where is Russell Simmons excommunicated?  Yes, what he was accused of is despicable.  But, what Ms. Judge doesn’t realize is, many of us are Christians and we pray, forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us.  Depending on the situation, for some, forgiveness takes a long time.  But, unforgiveable is not what we believe.

From a Christian viewpoint, Oprah has not replaced Jesus.  There are many who believe she has.  She has plenty of followers.  Everything she does is deliberate and well thought out.  Sunday is the day of worship for most Christians.  It is The Lord’s Day.  Oprah’s disciples tune in to her Super Soul Sunday television show religiously on Oprah’s cable channel, OWN.  Her audience also includes folks who just need a little inspiration, encouragement and positive reinforcement.  Hers is not a religion and she doesn’t claim that it is.

Pool/Getty Images

Russell Simmons messed up royally.  So, did, Bill O’Reilly, Bill Cosby, Harvey Weinstein, Kevin Spacey, Mario Batali, Matt Lauer, Garrison Keilor, Charlie Rose, John Conyers Jr., Al Franken, Steve Wynn, David Copperfield, James Franco, Tavis Smiley, King David (2 Samuel 11) and on and on.  The list is much longer than you realize.  A friend of mine, The Rev. Richard Hong, Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Englewood (NJ), suggested the hashtag #himtoo?  That was my exclamation when Charlie Rose’s name hit the news.  Him too?  I hear Christians say what these men did is unforgiveable.  I’m going to stick my neck out and say it is not unforgiveable.

Jesus said in Matthew 12:31 (NRSV), “Therefore I tell you, people will be forgiven for every sin and blasphemy, but blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven.”  They will even be forgiven for the seven deadly sins of, lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.  If you repent and believe in the Good News of Jesus Christ and ask God for forgiveness, your sins are forgiven, and a new life has begun.  That declaration is made every Sunday during Christian worship services.
    Although I am against capital punishment, I believe that people who are guilty of the crimes of which they are accused must deal with the consequences of the law of the land.  So, I will close with this question: Can I forgive you for what you did to me or to a member of my family and still testify against you in a court of law?  <><