Were these words exactly:
"I am sorry because I was not quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. Rather, I was slow to listen, quick to speak, and quick to become angry. I apologize."
My thanks to James, brother of Jesus for that tidbit.
(Sigh) Some concepts are so simple and very wise. Yet, I tend to regularly forget these concepts.
There were about two years of my life when I refused to read the book of James in the New Testament. I just couldn't handle it. James, a road map for the Christian life. All of those instructions served as reminders of my inability to follow them. I wasn't trying to rebel against ole James, I just really couldn't face the failure his words would bring. For what it's worth, in this same time period I couldn't say the word, "Jesus." It felt too cheesy for me to utter. He was simply, "Christ." I fought a valiant, exhausting intellectual battle to believe in Him during this period and I did love him, I just couldn't call him "Jesus." I was detoxing from fundamentalism. Give a girl a break.
A woman I hope to know better during my time in Jacksonville opened the book of James with me last week. She speaks gently, slowly. She's southern. After my native state was confirmed as, in fact, below the Mason-Dixon line, she taught me concepts from James in ways I had never heard them before: through a lens of rich forgiveness and grace. The most striking thing she said was very simple. About being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, she posed a question: "Why does James call me to this?" With her answer, I felt as though the sweetly-scented breath of God blew softly across my face. "Because this is how Jesus treats me."
I seldom think of Jesus listening intently while I spill my grievance before Him. Nodding slowly, listening with His eyes as much as with His ears. Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry. Of His kindness, there is no end. He is sweet to me, that Jesus. I couldn't make myself speak His given name for over two years. And still, He claims me as His own.
Quick to listen. Slow to speak. Slow to become angry. Not to blend religions here, but I think this is my new mantra, and I have a good feeling about it.
James 1:19
2 comments:
Erin,
We lived in Jacksonville several years ago, and I loved the slower southern grace with which people approach life down there--they seem to have more time for you somehow. Some of our best friends were the retirees who made up most of our church. I love your depiction of the sweet southern woman who is opening the word to you.
As I read her words, "that's how Jesus treats me," I felt my own sigh of relief. I just finished studying James myself with a mentor, and I often struggle with my approach to studying the Bible--I either feel guilty for not spending enough time reading the word, or I approach it like a test or memory quiz. Instead, I desire to savor it and enjoy time with a very patient, always present, ever loving Jesus. Thank you for that reminder.
i cant wait until you write your book
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