Double Take
Why is judgment such a part of our lives? Even as Christians, it sometimes sneaks into our perception. My thoughts specifically fall on that of last impressions. "What in the name of YES INDEED does he mean?!" you ask? Let me give you an example. This actually the very example that sparked my thoughts on this very subject. Well the example is....Booth!
Not The Salvation Army's founder. Not that place on the street where you make telephone calls and not the little corner area in the local diner where you can sip a milkshake. I am referring to Booth a.ka. Twinkie, Sweet cheeks. When Paula and I were in training, Booth was like 11-13 years old and the principal's annoying brat.
As I sat with Booth tonight, hanging out and talking, I told him, "If you told me five years ago that I would be sitting here in my living room having a deep, serious discussion with Booth J., I would have asked you what you were smoking." Up until about a year ago, I probably assumed that he was that same obnoxious kid.
That is our mistake as Christians. People change. People grow up. I fear that within this Salvation Army, that is our biggest hindrance. People are permanently scarred with the rumors they are tagged with. Regardless if those rumors are true or false, those individuals are always "sleeping around on their spouse," "embezzling money," or "doing drugs and alcohol." That is how they are tagged and that is how they will be known.
Paula and I desire to re-enter the ranks of officership one day. There have been numerous rumors about us spreading throughout the territory. MOST not true. But there are a few that are true... a few that were mistakes. Will we be tagged forever? We have changed... and grown up. Take a second look and you will see.
Take some advise from someone who is on both sides of the impression... DO A DOUBLE TAKE! You will regret it if you don't. That person you think is a scoundrel may be found one day sitting on your couch sharing with you as a friend.
Wayne
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11:05 PM
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