Gentle Reader,
It’s that time of year when I slather my hands in the heaviest lotions and ointments I can find and walk around wearing gloves with the fingertips cut off. The time of year when I rub coconut oil all over my face. You’d think I was a participant in some Antarctic expedition given the way my skin cracks, itches and flakes. (You’re welcome for that visual).
Ah, well. The gloves just add to the starving artist mystique, right?
Kate says: near.
Go.
Near…far…wherever you are…
You read that in Celine Dion’s breathy voice, didn’t you?
The movie Titanic came out in 1997, the year I was 13. My mom took me to see it, but unlike others in the audience who were enraptured by the (completely implausible) love story, I was focused on whether or not James Cameron would get the historical details right. Were the clothes correct? Did the on-screen ship actually sink in “real time?” Was the door able to hold two people?
Accuracy matters. If something is going to be promoted as truthful, then it should be just that.
We all make mistakes. We all suffer from “foot in mouth” disease at one time or another. Really, nobody is perfect. Sometimes we have to go back and clarify what we’ve said or written. Sometimes we have to apologize. Sometimes we learn and change our minds. There is room for human frailty. Anyone who expects perfection from others will be disappointed, over and over again.
What there is no room for – what should not be tolerated – is blatant hypocrisy, manipulation, abuse.
How easily we forget this truth:
You are near, O Lord,
And all Your commandments are truth.– Psalm 119:151 (NKJV)
God sees. God knows. Nothing is hidden.
The light always pierces and reveals.
We would do well to remember.
Stop.
Complete change of subject: In 2018, I will be opening up this space for the Wednesday Writers. Each Wednesday, I will have the privilege of showcasing another’s work. I’ve already announced this opportunity in the writers groups that I belong to, but I don’t want you to be left out!
The guidelines are simple:
- Read my statement of beliefs. If you can get on board with where I’m at (reasonable disagreement of course allowed, because we’re all different), then do pass “go.”
- You can write about anything you want and use as many words as you want. I will edit for grammar and spelling.
- If you are interested in participating, drop me a line via the contact page.
Thanks for that reminder, Marie! Blessings to you and your lotion-covered hands and face! 😉
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I should have taken a picture. My face was quite sparkly with all the coconut oil. 🙂
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I do the lotion thing, too. Old burns. And I have to wear shorts year-round, because the skin on my legs is too fragile for the rubbing of cloth. Made formal occasions interesting, so I’d play up the Jimmy Buffett Parrothead look (and the spaced out ganja-man patois…hard, because I never used the tuff).
I had the chance to be an extra in the Titanic’s sinking scene, but passed. I thought it might bring bad luck.
And accuracy…you reminded me of the old gunfighter’s axiom, “speed in fine, but accuracy is final.”
Sorry for the kind of fractured comment. I’m not doing too good.
https://blessed-are-the-pure-of-heart.blogspot.com/2017/11/your-dying-spouse-412-ugly-fmf.html
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Your comments are always good, my brother. I’ve never heard that gunfighter saying, but it’s true, isn’t it? All the speed in the world doesn’t matter if you can’t hit the target.
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You crack me up! Mostly because I DO THE SAME THING when watching historical anything (or reading it, for that matter). I’m also reading Psalm 119 right now. I’m loving it. I haven’t made it to verse 151 yet, though :).
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There have been times when friends and family have gotten irritated with me over my predilection to point out incorrect details. My dad once asked me, “Can’t you just enjoy something?!” I think it’s the teacher in me. I can’t help it. 🙂
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Marie, always come away from your posts thinking. I love what you said here: “Accuracy matters. If something is going to be promoted as truthful, then it should be just that.”
Accuracy matters. Completely.
For the record, I’m wearing lots of lotion these days too, my fiiend.
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Honestly, I wish I could write things a little more lighthearted these days. So much is heavy. But I suppose it’s better to think deeply than not.
I need to buy stock in Gold Bond. Their lotions are the best.
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Oh my twin sister! Seriously! I did not read ANYONE’s posts before writing mine. You’ll have to read mine to see why I’m remarking with so much excitement, and yet, our directions were totally different after the Titanic.
Ha ha ha, I’m delighted that you actually thought of that line when I did!
Love,
Tammy
(#34)
P.S. My favorite line “Anyone who expects perfection from others will be disappointed, over and over again.”
Thank you. You definitely spoke truth this week!
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How could anyone who has seen that movie NOT think of that line? Now I kind of want to watch it again. Been years.
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Titanic went through my mind too when I saw the prompt! And yes, if something claims to be true I agree, accuracy is important and something to be taken seriously.
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I believe we are at an important moment in history when it comes to truth and accuracy. The internet is a beautiful thing, but it can and has been used to quickly spread lies. I hope that more voices are raised against this disturbing and growing trend.
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All the best with your skin care:) Looking forward to Wednesday Writers!
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Accuracy does matter. I do that when a book is turned into a movie too. 1997 was my senior year of high school/freshman year of college. Crazy huh. I’m in the 45 spot this week.
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Humor and the truth that our God is near. I appreciate this combination, Marie.
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