I turn on the tube and what do I see
A whole lotta people cryin' "Don't blame me"
They point their crooked little fingers at everybody else
Spend all their time feelin' sorry for themselves
Victim of this, victim of that
Your momma's too thin; your daddy's too fat
Get over it (By Don Henley)
Thursday February 18
Beset by financial and tax problems, Joe Stack lashes out by flying his plane into an Austin, Texas IRS building.
Friday February 12
About to lose her job, University of Alabama neurobiology professor Amy Bishop lashes out by shooting six colleagues at a faculty meeting Friday, murdering three.
Every day
Hurting, miserable, sick and in debt, John and Jane Doe drag themselves out of bed, drink a strong cup of coffee, put on a smile and head off to work. They don't blame someone else and they don't kill anyone. May their tribe increase!
In another life, long before Don Henley wrote "Get Over It", I was an Eagles fan. Though not still a fan, the title of this song has something that resonates with me from time to time. It is too abrasive, for we as Christians are called to be compassionate. But all the whining and blaming at times fills us to the brim and with a craving to shout "get over it"!
Many people -- including, perhaps, Joe Stack and Amy Bishop -- think they are alone in their misery. What has happened to me is worse than anything that has happened to anyone else. My troubles are more than I can bear. We've all been there; done that. But it is not true. Life is full of John and Jane Does who are hurting just as much as you and I are, but "got over it". They are those who work in order that they may eat, love their enemies, bless those that curse them, do good to those that hate them, and pray for those that despitefully use & persecute them. They're called Christians.
"Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye...Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." -- Peter, an apostle
3 comments:
Your reference to John and Jane Doe immediately brought memories of my grandparents. Though poor by some standards and not in good health for much of their lives, there was never a time for blame there. I can never recall a time when they were not up and about before daylight. You could set your watch to their word. You never had to wonder about the routine. It was those little things which offered security to a little tyke when I would stay with them.
It is the average John and Jane Does who are the real heroes that you spoke of. I am afraid we are getting less and less of them. Is it all about 15 minutes of fame anymore? How about 15 minutes of peace and understanding. It seems as though we have created a whole new culture that constantly tries to stretch the boundaries of values and common sense, among other things.
As Christians, I believe the example of John and Jane Doe should strike a chord like never before.
Robert, I just finished reading Elmer Kelton's "The Time It Never Rained". It is a wonderful story of West Texas ranching in the 1950s. Not John and Jane Doe, but Charlie and Mary Flagg and the struggle of folks trying to avoid their government's "help". If you haven't read it, chase a copy down and do read it. Puts me in mind of my grandparents and Mom and Dad now gone from this earth, but still teaching me things.
Pete
I haven't watched much of the Olympics, but have seen and heard even about it to think that skater Johnny Weir is homosexual, or thought to be. Some Australian and Canadian announcers made comments about his gender issues. In light of this post, I found it interesting that when given the chance to whine about their comments, Weir rather defended them on the grounds of free speech. Interesting concept, no doubt!
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