Kindness
In ancient times, philosophers were in the marketplace exchanging ideas. But where do philosophers ply their trades today? The only place I can think of is Country Music. It is, perhaps, one of the last bastions of pop philosophy in our day.
I recently ran across a list of quirky titles that left me thinking about what our modern-day philosophers were saying. What collective message does this list of Country Song titles give you?
• How Can I Miss You if You Won’t Go Away?”
• If the Phone Doesn’t Ring. It’s Me”
• My Wife Ran Off With My Best Friend. (I Sure Miss Him)”
• I Keep Forgettin’ I Forgot About You”
• Thank God and Greyhound (She’s Gone)”
• I Got You on My Conscience, But at Least You’re Off My Back.”
After I stop laughing at the list of song titles, I’m left scratching my chin. These songs appear to take marital discord for granted. The message is simple; life without “you” is a better life for “me.” Though the scripture does say, “A constant dripping on a day of steady rain and a contentious woman are alike;” (Proverbs 27:15 NASB) it also paints a picture of the home as an ideal place where a husband and wife nurtures one another and their children into wholeness and peace.
The starting place for building a home that a Country Singer would never croon over could be as simple as saying a kind word or doing a considerate act.
Proverbs 15:1 NIV “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).
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