This was a beautiful passage. I almost felt as though it would be a slow and steady, serene speech that would hit you to the core had you heard it aloud.
The part that really called to me the most was the very last page of the passage. It started out with “If men wish to draw near to God, they must seek him in the hearts of men.” Where have I heard that before? All over! We have seen this over and over that God is within each of us and what a beautiful sentiment it is to simply have to look into the hearts of one another to find what we are looking for.
What really struck me, however, was what followed. “They should speak well of all men … if they themselves seek to be a light to guide others … they must show the same face to all.” Like all of the other obvious but difficult sayings we’ve heard before, this one seems so basic. Still, somehow it can be so difficult for some people. It really spurred some thinking, though. If we show the same face to all does that mean we act the same way with everyone? I am googly and silly when I baby-sit, I am intellectual and quick-witted with my friends, goofy and loud with my sister and a little bit of everything with my boyfriend. I’m reserved and shy around the in-laws and new people. Does that mean I am not showing the same face? Or does it really imply that I am true to myself always and from that everyone can see I never stray from who I really am? I think it is the latter. If I am goofy, silly, loud, quiet or witty it doesn’t matter as long as I am always willing to help, always ready to keep someone from getting hurt, always willing to laugh away tears and always myself. All my moods are aspects of who I am and never affect my values and morals.
What do you think?
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Its really interesting to me how you read this passage. I do agree with a lot of the points that you made however I didnt feel as passionate about this passage but I do look at it very differently after reading your takes on it.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite part of your blog is what you said at the end. It is very thought provoking. Everyone has different faces but through the anger, sadness, or joy we all maintain our own-like you said-values and morals.
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