Tell me lies; tell me sweet little lies

When is it ok to lie? Some say never while others don't see the need to tell the truth. I would be willing to believe that most think it's somewhere in between. We don't want to ruin a surprise birthday party, and sometimes speaking the truth hurts others when the fault lies within us. However, what is a good lie and what is just a lie?

Consider wall street. I know not many people want to think about them in the current financial climate, but it's relevant to the topic at hand. Did they lie? They didn't say anything false - they just didn't disclose the truth. Now, millions of people are hurting from their decisions.

Let's bring that to a smaller sphere. If I know about a dysfunctional relationship, and one person asks me about it, what do I do? Now the water is muddied. Is it my place to say anything? Can I, in good conscience, not say what I know?

There are real people helped or hurt by the decisions we make. Sometimes the guilt gets to us. Is it a direct correlation of the pride we allow to get to us? There are so many questions and so few answers. I think this is why we need God's intervention. We cannot do it alone. We need an advocate in our corner. We also need someone to say "You tried to do your best. You are loved, and I forgive you." From my experience, people don't hear that often enough from each other.

self-worth for sale

The idea that your self-worth has been on sale is an unfortunate part of the American economy. Even worse now, they are selling identities. However, when did we start charging for it among other people?

Everyone wants something in exchange for something else, it seems. Nothing is for free or simply a kind gesture. There are personal ads out there that say something to the equivalent of, "You're ugly, so this is your last chance. Use it or lose it." What a horrible thing to say to a fellow human being! No wonder people are confused about the nature of love. No wonder people will clamor to anything that gives the illusion of it. Literally everything around us is telling us we are not worthy. I sent a reply to this person to ask why he wrote such a post. I have not received a reply, and I'm not holding my breath.

I'm not holding my breath because I want to live in something greater. I swim against this sea of chaos every day. Sometimes I create the waves I must crest, and other times they are made for me. This cannot be all there is to it. Dry land must surely appear from time to time. However, I try to remember that people saying hurtful things are telling me more about themselves than they are telling me about myself. It's not an easy thing to do, and I'm not always successful, but I do try to remember that.

So sorry buddy. I'm not ugly enough for you, if that's what you want. This isn't my last chance, and time (while marching on) is not running out. This life is temporary, but I have an eternity with my Father to look forward to. I'm gonna have to pass on your offer.