Elvis was Right!

Last night I wrote a few nasty blogs that are still in the "draft" file.  Most likely, I will never publish them.  Mostly because I realize that my rantings are too strong, too critical.  I also realize when I write some of these blogs what a hypocrite I am.  I know that I can verbally spar with the best of them, but afterwards, I often don't feel so proud of myself.  One would hope and think that I would eventually grow up and mellow out a little.

Still, I want to make a few points that have been on my mind the last few days, only in a tamer version. 

The last few days I have been confused and perplexed by some of the comments I see on twitter and facebook and other blogs.  One of the most common quotes used the past few days has been a quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. and is being used in reference to Osama bin Laden's death.  Martin Luther King. Jr. is quoted: " I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." I know that Martin Luther King is talking about our reactions to the death of one that we dont like, maybe even despise.  However, I believe it applies elsewhere also.

I understand not celebrating the death of a man and I agree.  Having narrowly avoided a 9:00 a.m. meeting at the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001, I do understand the emotion shown on the streets the last few days, however.  What strikes me as odd are the hateful comments that I have read at other times from these same very people that posted the Martin Luther King quote.  For example, I have read tweets, and blogs, and posts on Facebook that trash the youth of today for wearing tight jeans. How can one be sympathetic towards bin Laden but hateful towards the youth of America because they don't dress like you do?  Where is the love there? The attitude I have seen from several of these people is very condescending. With that attitude, I promise that you will not be effective with the youth of today. "Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." 

I also read a blog, written by a prominent Christian public figure, condemning the Southerners for being sinful and bringing about the tornadoes last week upon themselves.  Really?  Where is the love there?  I think these "leaders" should shut up, get off their butts, and go help these poor people in Alabama who have lost EVERYTHING.  Maybe, just maybe, then they would have earned the right to talk to these people about God's love.  "Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

If you read my blog, you know that I resigned my post within the last few weeks for mentoring the Shelbyville boys next year.  The boys I work with are the "bad" boys.  They don't have all the right answers about life or the bible.  They are rowdy.  They are hard to manage.  And in a church of 2500, not one man will step forward to make a difference in their lives.  These are the people that will "mourn the loss of thousands of lives" but can't be bothered to help spare the life of one young man.  Where is the love there? "Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

I had a discussion yesterday with a man that believes Planned Parenthood is necessary because it helps poor, desperate women that can't afford medical help.  Most people I hang with don't support Planned Parenthood because they perform abortions.  I hate abortion.  But I wonder how many people (me included) actually do anything but complain verbally and blast women for having abortions.  I can picture people picketing abortion clinics and shouting terrible things to women.  Where is the love there?  I wonder how many people have actually done anything to support their convictions?  I wonder how many people have adopted a child in support of a woman's decision to have a baby instead of an abortion? I wonder how many people have supported someone who wants to adopt a child?  "Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

Again, I admit I am a hypocrite.  I am convicted as I write some of these things.  But my point is this: we need to show love to people and put some action behind our words.  We need to shut our mouths and stop simply spewing hate and get dirty and show some love.  It is so easy to blog, and tweet, and post our thoughts and words these days.  With our busy schedules, it is so much harder to actually show love to people and put actions behind your convictions. I understand.  But the words of the great philosopher, Elvis, comes to mind. " A little less (hateful) talk and a lot more (loving) action....baby!"