Feb 20 2009
The Inspiration of “No”
Remember when you were a child and your parent said “No”? If you are over 50, you remember that a “no” would be followed by a smack on the cheek (upper or lower) if you did not comply — immediately.
Some parents well schooled in the art of inspiring authority did not need to take any physical action at all. My dad could simply look at me over the top of his glasses and call out my full name — that was enough to send my knees to shaking. The man never hit me, he never had to. Not that I was that good, (yeah - right) but I had such respect for him that it broke my heart to have him angry with me. Now Mom could use the paddle or more likely a switch from some ugly bush outside in the yard, but it never hurt as bad as the “look” from Daddy.
Yes, I respected my Mom too, but there was just something different. I knew I could snow her, or start to cry before she whipped me, and the swats would be a lot less enthusiastic. (Not to mention, I could run much faster and she usually gave up the chase quickly!)
When I became a parent myself, we were cautioned not to spank our children, for fear that they would suffer some kind of social anxiety, so my children were a little less likely to be impressed by my authority.
Today, oh, Lord - you can’t even speak unkindly to your child in the presence of other people without facing the possibility of being prosecuted for child abuse. Children no longer respect their parents, all thanks to a society of “bleeding hearts” who think that “violence is not the answer”. Can you people say “Noah and the ark?” How about “Soddom & Gamorrah”? Sometimes it takes a little enthusiastic physical effort to get your point across.
Before I launch into another sermon, I’ll settle down and close with the following poem (author unknown):
I asked God to take away my pride. God said NO, It is not for me to take away, but for you to give it up.
I asked God to grant me patience. God said NO, Patience is a by-product of tribulation, it isn’t granted.
I asked God to give me happiness. God said NO, I give you blessings, happiness is up to you.
I asked God to make my spirit grow. God said NO, you must grow on your own, but I will prune you.
I asked God to help me love others, as much as he loves me. God said —Ah, finally you have the idea!
