Jamey's Newsletter: Sunday, January 28, 2024
In the children's book "The Old Turtle and the Broken Truth," Douglas Wood tells a story that begins with once upon a time in a beautiful faraway land, where there fell a truth. But as it dropped, it broke into two halves; one of the pieces blazed off through the night sky, and the other sank to the earth in the beautiful land. After a long time, someone found the broken truth.
On it was written, "You are loved." The man held it carefully, and the truth sparkled just for him, whispering its message just for him. It made him feel special. And he believed it.
The man took the truth to his people - those who dressed like him, lived like him, and looked like him. After a while, the broken truth is all the people like him heard. It made them feel good, proud, and superior. "You are loved" became their possession.
Other people seemed less and less, and no one cared for them. They were ignored, neglected, looked down upon, and forced out of the land. And the world became an unhappy place.
One day, a little girl went on a long journey deep into the forest and met an Old Turtle. She told the turtle, "Where I live, the earth is sore, and the people suffer. People say it has always been this way and will never change. Can it change, Old Turtle? Can we change it?
The Old Turtle replied, "The world you describe is not the world that has always been." The Old Turtle told the little girl how the people had found the broken truth and the suffering it caused. But it was only broken truth.
The Old Turtle gives the little girl the rest of the truth and tells her to return it to her world. The half that had caused so much pain says, "You are loved." The other half says, "And so are they!" When put together, it is the whole truth.
The Old Testament Prophet, Micah, writes, "He has told you, O mortal, what is good, and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and love kindness and walk humbly with your God (Micah 6:8)?"
Living out Micah's command is living into the "And so are they" part of the story of the Old Turtle.
Jamey
(Music performed by the Modern Worship Team of Gainesville First United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Georgia)
Weekly Prayer
Gracious God, in our daily endeavors, guide us to act justly. May our actions reflect Your righteousness and fairness. Please help us to stand for what is right, to advocate for the oppressed, and to uphold integrity and honesty in all our dealings. Teach us to love mercy. Fill our hearts with compassion and kindness in a world where harsh judgment and indifference often prevail. Instruct us in the ways of humility. In walking humbly with You, let us recognize our limitations and need for Your guidance. May our hearts be free from pride and self-importance. Through the example of Jesus, empower us to live out these virtues in our lives. Amen.
Meme of the Week
Dad Jokes
What is a snowman’s favorite snack? Ice Krispy Treats!
What do you call a snowman’s dog? A slush puppy!
Wisdom Nugget: Don’t Aim for the Ideal Version of Yourself on Day One. Masterpieces take time. Be consistent.
A Question to Consider: What one small step can you do right now to make things a little better?
Photo Taken By Me
Book I am Reading
Videos I Found Interesting:
On how I approach strangers in the street | Humans of New York creator Brandon Stanton | UCD, Dublin
Podcast Worth Listening to:
3 Things Great Leaders Do Differently: HBR On Leadership
Found Interesting on Social Media
We have forgotten how to live in the moment: https://twitter.com/Culture_Crit/status/1741902868666286389
Articles that caught my eye:
Why does Christianity have so many denominations?
100 Couples Share Their Secrets to a Successful Relationship
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Happening at Gainesville First United Methodist Church
February 4 / 4pm / Gainesville First United Methodist Church
The 2024 Sounds of Faith Concert Series gets underway with the Atlanta Vocal Project. This award-winning men’s a cappella chorus specializes in the barbershop singing style and earned 3rd place in the 2023 International Barbershop Harmony Society competition. This fun and high-energy performance is perfect for the whole family. Admission is free.
Weekly Blessing and/or Quotes
“May you experience each day as a sacred gift woven around the heart of wonder.”
― John O'Donohue, Eternal Echoes: Celtic Reflections on Our Yearning to Belong