How May I Offend You Today?

Title: How May I Offend You Today?: Rants and Revelations from a Not-So-Proper Southern Lady: Susannah B. Lewis

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Synopsis:

 
Don’t know how to respond to friends’ political rants on Facebook? USA Today  bestselling author Susannah B. Lewis (creator of  Whoa! Susannah ) is back with another hilarious take on what so many people are thinking but are afraid to say aloud.

Hear Susannah’s hot takes on everyday topics such as:
Public displays of affection
T shirts with indecent images
And of course… politics
Millions of online fans have flocked to Susannah B. Lewis's hysterical, take-no-prisoners rants about her pet peeves in everyday life. Now, in How May I Offend You Today?, Lewis turns her trademark humor to ordinary events that work her nerves--from people who wear t-shirts with indecent images to public displays of affection in the plumbing aisle of Lowe's--while keeping a wry eye on herself and her own temptation to vent grievances "like a teenage girl in overalls and Birkenstocks."

Weaving together anecdotes from her distinctly Southern life with frequent references to the Bible, what she calls "our manual for living," Lewis says what many of us have thought, and in the process encourages us to stand firm in our views. The witty-yet-down-to-earth banter and uplifting, inspirational message of How May I Offend You Today? gives readers everywhere the boost necessary to make it through even their most trying days.

My Review:

How May I Offend You Today? by Susannah Lewis caught my attention from the title. I had no idea what the book was about when I decided to read it (I know, not the best way to pick a book), but seeing that is was Christian I knew it would be clean, and I am drawn to sarcasm and dry humor. I had not read anything from this author before and am interested in learning more about her.

This book does not disappoint. The author discusses many topics that are relevant today, saying what most people want to say, but refuse to say. Or, if they do say it, they say it quite rudely, which Lewis does not do. However, she is quick to admit that she is not perfect and shares many stories of when she did not get it right. There is humor, mixed with strong Biblical truths, and many instances of God's grace. The author shows how she has grown from the mistakes she has made, and shares in bits and pieces of how God has changed her since He saved her. 

I think the thing I appreciate most about this author is that she unapologetically shares her views, making no excuses. She does not believe in walking on eggshells and the everyone should get a trophy mentality. She also believes that when punishment is deserved it should be implemented. This is something that is seriously lacking in today's culture, so it is refreshing to see an author share so transparently about the struggles in her home. Again, no one is perfect, and she is not trying to say that she is.

This book is an easy read, pretty light-weight book, but it had deep moments too. Times when I felt an "ouch" or tug in my spirit. It really makes you stop and think if you are being Christlike in your interactions with others.

The only downside that I had with the book, is that sometimes I felt that the book fell flat. I think having a bit more dialogue in places would have been beneficial. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves humor, sarcasm and quick wit. Thank you to Thomas Nelson Publishing and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to give a positive review of this book, but am happy to do so. All opinions are entirely my own.

 

Ashamed

Have you ever felt ashamed? I am sure that if we are honest, at one point in time or another, all of us have felt ashamed. 

Ashamed is defined as "feeling shame, guilt or disgrace," which is the definition I am focusing on for the sake of this blog post.

 I have struggled a lot with 2020, and the reactions that people have had to the events that have been thrown at us. It finally took me a while to narrow down the overall feeling of discontent that I was having and then to identify it. It was shame! Now, you might be wondering what I have done to feel ashamed...and honestly it is not so much as to what I have done, but hopefully you will see where I am coming from by the end of this blog.

When the pandemic hit, we were all taken off guard.

 It was something new, different and definitely not pleasant. 

We were suddenly in quarantine, safer at home, and in a perpetual state of waiting. While all in this together. Waiting for an end that we thought would be pretty quick, but obviously the outcome has been much different. While this was not fun, it was okay. We were all healthy (in my house) and we were making the most of a difficult situation. I was trying to stay positive, but I was floored by the amount of negativity on social media feeds. I was stunned by actions that "Christians" took and posts that "Christians" posted. I could not believe that my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ would post such things and do such things. They were things, that as a Christian myself, I could not wrap my head around.

See, I am a Christian and I have always proudly identified myself as one. Did you know that when the term "Christian" first came into being, it was used in a derogatory way? It was at Antioch that the name "Christian" was first associated with the disciples of Jesus Christ (Acts 11:26) and is only used two other times in the Bible (Acts 26:28 & 1 Peter 4:16).  According to the Beacon Bible Commentary, "Christians themselves did not yet use this designation, but wore it as a badge of the highest honor when their enemies applied it to them (p298)." Honestly, I think we are getting back to that, and I can see why, but it breaks my heart.

See, when this pandemic hit, the ones shouting and complaining the loudest, were Christians. They did not agree (loudly) with decisions being made. (I truly did not see such things from my "non-Christian" friends) 

I saw posts of memes about our President, posts about our Governor, posts about closings, lies,  masks,  it all being political, and everything else related to this pandemic. I know you saw them too. 

Then, some churches got together and sued the Governor for closing churches, saying that it was taking away our religious freedoms. Now, whether I agree or disagree with those in authority (President, Governor, Mayor etc), it is my responsibility to show respect and submit to their authority (Hebrews 13:17). The only way that I am not to listen to them (as a Christ-follower) is if they go against God's Word. The leaders were doing the best they could with the information that they had, everyone was learning at the same time. I would not want their job, it is a hard job. I respect their authority and was listening to their recommendations. I did not agree with the Churches suing the Government. The Government did not close down Churches to take away religious freedoms, they closed Churches because they closed pretty much all places that people gather for longer periods of time, for the safety of the people. It had nothing to do with religion. (We can and should worship God ANYWHERE). Once the Church won this lawsuit many churches here in NC quickly reopened, while churches all across the country and around the world remained closed. Christians were rejoicing to have won this lawsuit, yet I was struggling. I didn't agree with the lawsuit in the first place, and I did not agree with the rejoicing, when so many churches could not open their doors, and many are still closed today. (Other states have attempted the same lawsuit and lost). Please hear me, I am not upset that I am back in Church, I love going to church, but I was upset about the method that made that possible. (I was also dealing with snide remarks about me because of how long I was out of Church (from people in the church), along with being fussed at because I was going back to church!!) I was upset about the behavior of the "Christians."

I do not want to go into more specific ways that I saw "Christians" behave, things they said, etc., because I am not trying to call  specific people out. But it took me a while to realize that I was ashamed of being a Christian. I did not want to be identified with the Christians that were calling out the unfairness of all that has happened over the last 10 months. I did not want to be identified in the same group as those who kept posting posts that were meant to be divisive. Christians are called to unity and that is not what I have seen in the last 10 months. It truly breaks my heart. 

I have never been ashamed of being a Christian, but now I am. Because I know that as a true Christian it is my responsibility to be faithful in whatever situation I find myself in, to help move others toward Christ. If I am not doing that, then I am driving them further away from Christ. And that is what I feel these posts have been doing. This is why so many people don't want anything to do with Christians, because they do not think that Christ would act like that. Let me tell you, He wouldn't. Side note:I am not perfect, and I do not always get it right. I can look back on my behavior when I was a new Christian, and my understanding was that Christianity was about the rules. So, I was very legalistic, and I am sure I pushed people away from Christianity and Christ. Now, I know that it is about a relationship with Christ, not about rules, and hopefully my behavior is not still pushing people away from Christ.

Where in the Bible do you see Jesus talking negatively about anybody???? (spoiler alert, we don't)

Did He agree with everything His governing authorities said? Probably not. 

But, was He respectful? Yes. 

Was He hateful? No. 

If we are to be more like Christ, then we are to act like Christ. What would Jesus do? You know what He would do. As Warren Wiersbe says, "The believers in the early church suffered because they were Christians (1Peter 4:16). Dr. David Otis Fuller has asked, 'If you were arrested for being a Christian, would there be enough evident to convict you?' A good question! And the answer is a matter of life or death." (Be Dynamic p165)

I am a Child of the King. I want to be a light in this dark world. I want to be more like Christ. I want the fruits that I produce in my daily live to be reflective of Christ. I do not want to be ashamed of the word "Christian," but you better believe that I will be using different terminology, at least for the foreseeable future.

I will leave you with the words of William Barclay, from The New Daily Study Bible: The Letters of James and Peter, also speaking about 1 Peter 4:16, he says that Christians should not enter into the undertakings which do not befit the Christian life. That means Christians must not take an interest in things that are alien to the life that Christians should lead. He states, "It is Peter's instruction that if Christians have to suffer for Christ, they must do so in such a way that their suffering brings glory to God and to the name they bear. Their lives and conduct must be the best argument that they do not deserve the suffering which has come upon them, and their attitude to it must commend the name they bear." (p300-301).

If we bear the name of Christ or Christian we are to bring glory to that name. Are you? 

Ephesians 5:20 My verse for the week

Are you ever too stressed to see the blessings in your life? Do you ever find yourself feeling discontent and can't help the feeling? Drowning in your pity party and you have every right to be there?
Well, I was walking around in a fit of discontent and couldn't stop pouting about it. It started on Saturday when things were not going my way...the answers were not what I wanted them to be...there are still too many unknowns...it's not fair!
Well, I was in a good snit and coudln't see my way around it, and on Tuesday God says enough. One of the books I am currently reading is One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. So, Tuesday night I am reading this book and these lines pop out at me (paraphrasing just a bit) "Happy in all these little things that God gives...Joy is the realest reality, the fullest life, and joy is always given, never grasped. God gives gifts and I give thanks and I unwrap the gift given:joy....It is this:to give thanks in this one small thing....And give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ." Ephesians 5:20
Wow! Okay, God, I hear you...but...
The next morning I am finishing up my devotions and I get a text...Do you have the book Jesus Calling? Um, no. I used to have it but I gave it back to my sister...well you really need to read today's devotional and read the verses Ephesians 5:20 and Isaiah 30:15. So, I promptly read them. Okay, God, I hear you!!
Yes, Cindy, you hear me, but are you listening???
Thursday morning, I get up and get dressed etc, I get on the computer and check email and facebook. The first post on my facebook wall is a friend quoting Ephesians 5:20. OKAY! Yes, God, I hear you and I am listening. Forgive my discontent. Thank you for your many blessings!
I am listening. Nothing had changed...except my attitude. I can give thanks in the small things. God has always provided for all my needs...sometimes even my wants ;)
He is good all the time...He never changes...but He can change us, if we let Him.
Here are just a few of my MANY blessings:

Love that man and am so thankful for the 12 1/2 years we have had together...excited about the many years to come!!
Next....

Love her!! She is so thoughtful and kind, God blessed us with her 9 years ago...she's growing up!

My next blessing.....

God blessed us with this little monkey 6 1/2 years ago...he is full of energy, all boy, loving, funny and kind and so silly!! Love him so much!

I am thankful for the sister in Christ who said you need to read this! You were right, thanks Jennifer, for being that friend and not afraid to speak that truth in Christ!

I am thankful for the even the smallest of things...the makeup that helps hide the bags under my eyes today, as I did not get much sleep last night!

I heard God, I am not perfect, but I am accepting that He is in control, and I will continue to give Him thanks in ALL things :)