CANCELLATIONS….

Ten minutes ago I sat down and tried to write about our current buzzword often heard in news reports whether it be television or radio….”cancel culture” or being “woke”. I had several paragraphs written and there was no magic, no aha moments inside the sentences, what I had written had no spark, no direction, was landing dull and very boring to be quite honest. So, thankfully keyboards come equipped with a “delete” key and I used it. I “canceled” my writing….it was a decision that came after reading through my work several times. I couldn’t convince myself that my work was worth redeeming or changing in the hope that all it was missing could be salvaged. I hit delete.

I wish I could tell you exactly what’s rolling around inside my head today–most days actually–when I have to hear about another person or event offending someone in our nation’s society. I don’t have that kind of time; it’s too exhausting to even think I could do justice to my dismay. Fortunately, I’m not allowing my discouragement to rob me of joy, hope, and peace…..

Recently, I attended the annual IF: Gathering, a conference for Christian women. One of the speakers, Jada Edwards, who was teaching from Psalm 23 “He leads me in paths of righteousness” say “Jesus started cancel culture”. I noted the catchy phrase and bracketed it in my notes. Everything inside me resonated with that declaration from her.

Travel with me to a memory from 2019. We visited Israel in March that year and one of the sites that impacted me the most was Caesera Phillipi. This is the site where many gods were worshiped and Jesus had a conversation with Peter where He asked “Who do say that I am?” Peter responded with “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God”.

I think Jesus and Peter–together–canceled false religions at that very moment. Culture and history as it was playing about some 2,000 years ago exploded with truth and paved the way for God to carry forth His plans of salvation for mankind. Peter’s declaration of defining “who” Jesus was became the cornerstone of the Christian faith, so noted in Matthew 16:18 “Jesus said to Simon (Peter), I also say to you that you are Peter, and upon this rock I will build My church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it”. 

Jesus met many challenges during His earthly ministry. He exposed motives *He sought peace *He applied scripture *He prayed *He remained silent *He loved

Those are quite worthy attributes to strive for in my humble opinion. How do His challenges meld with my musings today about “cancel culture”? 

I don’t have to accept lies from those in our society seeking to pave paths of unrighteousness.

I can remain in peace while applying scripture in conversations where His truth is needed. I can DO this prayerfully…and sometimes remain silent…until I am asked a direct question that deserves a truthful answer.

 I can love….without compromising or canceling  ALL that I know is truth….the truth of God, scriptures, and His plan for all of us living inside a culture that continues to create false gods and lies—-elevating them above God Himself.