When I saw the article about New Jersey Governor Chris Christie on the web site for National Public Radio, I was ready to predict its vicious nature. I was wrong, though. The writer of the article (“Chris Christie and Pulling The Red Handle”), Linda Holmes, spoke in defense of the governor. She wasn’t defending his political stance; she was appealing to others to be more considerate of his feelings.
As you may know, Governor Christie is a large fellow. But is that an issue people should single out when speaking about his actions and policies? No, says Holmes, who admits she shares the same struggle of managing her weight. Her points goes much farther, though, than being more considerate of those who are overweight.
In this observation she makes a powerful point: “A lot of people have a red handle installed deep in their person, where if somebody yanks on it, it hurts.” She writes that some struggle with inner conflicts, things not easily seen to the outsider. Others, however, deal with conflicts that are obvious to all – people like Chris Christie.
Holmes appeals for more thoughtfulness behind our words: “… every time you [say hurtful things], you just take something that already hurts a lot and make it hurt more.” http://www.npr.org/blogs/monkeysee/2014/01/13/262076085/chris- christie-and-pulling-the-red-handle
In Luke 7 we find Jesus as a guest in the home of Simon, a Pharisee. As Jesus reclined at the table, a woman came into the house to pay homage to Jesus, anointing Him with a very costly perfume. Instead of looking favorably on the woman’s actions, Simon looked with harsh judgment: “This Man, if He were a prophet, would know who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner” (Luke 7:39).
The treatment procedure entails distinguishing viagra online mastercard this set off factors in your body. These food items can boost your libido and erectile capacity. icks.org discount cialis The medicine is provided to you in three different dosages which cialis 5mg sale are 25mg, 50mg and 100mg. Thankfully I just required a period of 5-6 days for curing my ED. purchase generic viagra We don’t know the details of this woman’s sins, though Simon probably did. The point, however, is that he saw her “red handle” and pulled on it. Did this woman cry (Luke 7:38), in part, because of the glaring looks she received from Simon and his friends? Were they helping her pain, or were they adding to it?
Jesus’ response is the one worth noting. Jesus defended the woman as showing Him more love and respect than Simon had. He forgave her sins, and sent her away in peace. Yes, Jesus saw her red handle, but refused to add to her pain. (Luke 7:36-50)
Words can yank at our hearts, as well as our red handles. Paul instructs us on how to use our words: “Let no corrupt words proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers” (Ephesians 4:29). Anyone can judge. There are few, however, who speak to build up (edify).
Timothy D. Hall.
