There Goes Connie

My Plans vs. God’s Plans

03/10/2017 By: CCPearson4 Comments

“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the LORD establishes their steps.” Proverbs 16:9

“Many plans are in a man’s heart, But the counsel of the LORD will stand.” Proverbs 19:21

Yesterday morning I had some great-sounding plans. I was going to kiss my Silver Fox good-bye as he headed out to doctor some dogs and cats. Then I was going to have a leisurely breakfast with a friend, run some errands, and take supper to a Sunday School class member who has been in the hospital. But, that’s not what happened at all.

First, I got an early message from my friend saying that she needed to postpone. Okay. No problem. We’d find another time. I got dressed and started to head out on my errands, BUT the phone rang. It was our real estate agent saying that our house would be shown at noon the next day. (That’s TODAY if you’re keeping up). Maybe you remember that we had 3 grandchildren for 8 days last week. Maybe you can imagine that just getting all of the sheets and towels washed was a mere fraction of the reestablishing-of-order process. Other serious decluttering needed to happen.

I called another class member to please pick up my contribution to the dinner for our friends, hurried out the door to “gather supplies” and came back to try to make the house showable.

Have you ever had your days rearranged like that? Trust me. I’ve had MUCH MORE TRAUMATIC phone calls and reordering of my days — my mom’s sudden brain aneurysm in 1986, 30 years later my stepmother’s sudden brain bleed, just to name a couple.

Yesterday’s disruption was extremely minor in the grand scheme of things.

It remains to be seen whether THESE house lookers are the ones who will buy our house. The Lord knows we’d like to move back to Hartselle to be closer to over half of our grandchildren, but HE has the best plan. HE knows IF that will happen and WHEN it will happen. HE knows where we will live if/when that time comes. I certainly don’t.

It gives me peace to be reminded of the words: “the Lord establishes their steps” and “the counsel of the LORD will stand.”

My job is to trust.

Lawrenceburg, Tennessee — Lunch Options

03/06/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

About an hour from Athens is a beautiful area of Middle Tennessee in Lawrence County, with its main town of Lawrenceburg. Most folks associate it with David Crockett State Park and Amish country, but I recently discovered more that I will try to share in coming posts. Just as a teaser, Congress named Lawrenceburg as the Birthplace of Southern Gospel Music because of the contributions of James Vaughan who started the shaped-notes system of music reading. Oh, boy, do I ever have thoughts about THAT!! Ha!

Anyway, we had 3 granddaughters with us last week and decided to go to Lawrence County (TN) to explore for a few hours. Many people go to the state park specifically to have lunch at Crockett’s Mill Restaurant. The view of the lake from inside is beautiful, and I’ve heard that the outside patio attracts lots of butterflies during warm weather. Diners may order from the menu or partake of the buffet. We went in to look around but weren’t quite ready for lunch right then.

Restaurant at David Crockett State Park

One of our target areas to visit was downtown Lawrenceburg. There we found Square Forty — a “meat and three” kind of place owned by a man affectionately-known as “Shine.” He was so friendly and answered our many questions. The girls chose this place for our lunch based on its great smells and homey atmosphere.

Interior of Square Forty

Decor area in Square Forty

Around the corner was a smaller place that we strongly considered, and it’s a cafe I’d love to try on my next visit — Yum on the Run. Its specialties include soups, salads, sandwiches and paninis. In addition, they have daily specials (often a pasta dish), and “yum” refers to homemade desserts. Say no more.

Yum on the Run at 106 Waterloo Street

My article about Lawrenceburg will be in this quarter’s edition of BOOM, a magazine of the Athens News Courier, due out at the end of March. Stay tuned.

A Southern Baptist Thinks about Lent

03/03/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

Why don’t Baptists observe the practice of Lent? The days between Ash Wednesday and Easter weekend focus on the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, who gave His life on the cross to atone for the sins of the world. Doesn’t it seem right that we should make some kind of sacrifice ourselves as a symbolic gesture during these days?

There are plenty of Biblical examples for engaging in an activity for 40 days. 1) The flood during the time of Noah was caused by rain that fell for 40 days and 40 nights. (Genesis 7) 2) Moses went up on Mt. Sinai for 40 days TWICE, once to get the original tablets of the Ten Commandments and the second time to get all of the other laws and regulations found in Exodus, Leviticus and Numbers. Exodus 24:18 “Then Moses entered the cloud as he went on up the mountain. And he stayed on the mountain forty days and forty nights.” 3) In the 19th chapter of 1 Kings, we find the account of Elijah running from Jezebel’s threatening words. He was fed by an angel, and after “being strengthened by that food, he traveled for 40 days and 40 nights until he reached Mt. Horeb, the mountain of God.” (verse 8) 4) After Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist in the Jordan River, he went to the wilderness to prepare himself for his coming ministry. He fasted, He prayed and He encountered Satan. Luke 4:1-2 “Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, left the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness,where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.”

I asked several of my fellow Baptists how they planned to observe Lent. Some mentioned giving up Mexican food. One said she’d be giving up golf — not just for Lent but because of a shoulder injury. Another friend shared that she and her daughter were going to find objects everyday for 40 days to give away. Yet another mentioned that her children would be giving up pizza, and she hoped to give up negative thoughts for those 40 days. In a response that no doubt pleased my daughter Laura Baggett who wrote a book called Making Room for Jesus, one friend told of her plan to gather 40 bags from her home to help with the decluttering process.

I have pondered all of this and agree with the idea of ridding myself of internal problems — hopefully for MORE than just 40 days. I would LOVE to get GREED, BITTERNESS, and REGRETS out of my life.

I have already begun the process of detoxing my body in terms of sweets, fried foods, carbonated beverages and the like. So, it won’t be a Lenten activity, but I plan to continue that exercise.

I do think that the course of action involved in purging my home, my closets, cabinets and drawers of clutter will be a great lift spiritually, mentally and physically. Steve and I have a goal of cleansing 20 bags each from our “areas.” Some will go straight to the trash, but maybe some of it can be put to good use by others. I’m looking forward to the peace of mind both the actions and the results will bring to us. And it seems very beneficial to me to think through various aspects of my life for the purpose of simplifying and focusing.

There is SO MUCH more involved in the concept and practice of Lent, but, as a Baptist, I have nothing in my background to explain it all. However, if I can become a better version of myself between now and Easter, I believe my celebration will be lifted to a new level.

Think about it. It’s not too late to make some changes of your own before Easter.

New Eatery in Rogersville, AL

02/27/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

My husband and I have lived 15 minutes from Rogersville for 6 1/2 years now. Stanfield’s has a faithful following and is known for steaks, a big salad bar and LARGE slices of homemade cakes. Savannah’s was a great place for lunch right on Main Street, but it closed last year, and we are all still waiting for a new tenant. In the meantime, hungry folks have easily found McDonald’s, Hardee’s, Subway, Pizza Hut, Whitt’s and Fat Cat’s Seafood on the main drag of Highway 72 going through town from Athens to the Shoals.

But, in recent months, two new dining options have opened right next door to each other, beside the Foodland grocery store. The Mexican place — Sofia’s Cantina — is under new management and has pretty much doubled its space since the new owners took over. All of the expected items are on the menu, and the prices are reasonable.

Today, however, Steve and I took 3 granddaughters with us to check out The Back Porch. We expected a menu more in keeping with its down home Southern name, such as a “meat and three” type of place. But, that is not what we found.

Don’t get me wrong. The interior is sleek and attractive. Both the stage area for live musicians and the bar area are made to resemble back porches. But, the menu has a mixture of barbecue, hamburger steak and catfish with sides such as a baked potato, a sweet potato, a stuffed potato, fries, Tater Tots, steamed veggies and onion rings. And, oh yes, pizza is mentioned briefly. The salad bar is small, but there was a good selection of fresh veggies. Bear in mind that our order leaned heavily in favor of Kids’ Plates — grilled cheese, fish fillets, fries, Tater Tots, etc. Steve really liked his grilled catfish, and the girls dove into the fries “with lots of catsup.” But, I think we probably didn’t order the true specialties of The Back Porch. I saw a hamburger go by on a serving tray that looked absolutely amazing. And, I overheard two waitresses reminding each other about the Butterfinger Cake available for dessert. What’s not to love about Butterfinger Cake, I tell you.

Grilled catfish with baked potato and Texas toast.

Lots of fresh veggies from the salad bar.

Yum! Bethany heartily approved of the grilled cheese and fries.

The Back Porch is open Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to midnight, and on Sundays from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The portable board on display as we entered today mentioned a “Buy one entree, get the 2nd for 25% off” special, and according to their Facebook page, tonight’s entertainment will be provided by Dixie Thunder and should begin at 7:00 p.m. Other groups mentioned who have performed in the past include: Bushwackers, Southern Breeze, Johnny Collier, Trippin Dixie and the Relics. We tried to visit for dinner a few weeks ago, and the parking lot was overflowing. These musicians must have been the reason for the large turnout.

I strongly suspect that we will visit again. Next time I want a hamburger!!!

Lessons from Mr. Greenhill

02/24/2017 By: CCPearson6 Comments

Mr. Loy Greenhill died last week at the age of 86. You can read his obituary here. He was the principal for many years of Crestline Elementary School in Hartselle, Alabama, where all three of my children attended.

Mr. Greenhill created a structured and safe environment for all of the children under his care. My children were blessed to go through elementary school in a much simpler time. Oh, they had occasional fire drills and tornado drills, but their early years passed before the days of carefully locked doors and “Intruder Drills.” Mr. Greenhill was present for all of their chorus programs, science fair displays and spelling bees. He was front and center working at the big fundraisers, especially the Crestline Halloween Carnival every fall.

As far as my oldest daughter could tell, Mr. Greenhill knew the name of every child who walked through the doors of Crestline each morning. That was no easy task, because in the early 1980’s, Crestline had one of the largest elementary student populations in North Alabama. Today the school only goes through 4th grade, but my children attended all the way through 5th grade.

Mr. Greenhill treated my husband and me with respect, whether we had school-related business in the office or just saw him around town. Whether Laura, Matt and Julie were making good grades, flipping peas in the cafeteria, winning awards or being sent home for head lice, Mr. Greenhill was fair and involved.

As you can tell by reading his obituary, Mr. Greenhill, in addition to being an excellent principal, also made time to be an integral part of his church by serving as a deacon, of his community by maintaining the landscaping at a fire station and of his local Kiwanis Club and all its activities. I’m sure his wife, children and grandchildren can testify that he made time to give them love and attention, too.

One of the most interesting things I heard about Mr. Greenhill came via some words of praise offered by his own daughter. She shared that her daddy’s motto was: “And then some.” What powerful marching orders for his life!! Not only did he give a full day’s work for a full day’s pay in the Hartselle City Schools, he went beyond — “And then some.” He didn’t just attend Hartselle Church of Christ on a regular basis, he took on the responsibilities of a deacon — “And then some.” He didn’t merely fulfill the role of elementary school principal, he took the time to learn each child’s name — “And then some.”

In many ways, Mr. Greenhill’s motto runs counter to the entitlement mentality of many Americans in this day and age. His mindset differed from those who barely give a full day’s work before skipping out as soon as the whistle blows in the factory or corporate setting, or those who “get by” with doing the minimum rather than caring enough to exceed expectations, or those who are always wanting more benefits without doing anything to make a company or work setting more productive or profitable.

Imagine a world with MORE MR. GREENHILLS in it!!

When you stop and consider it, Mr. Greenhill’s motto is a perfect illustration of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount:

Matthew 5:38-41 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, do not resist him who is evil, but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone wants to sue you, and take your shirt, let him have your coat also. And whoever shall force you to go one mile, go with him two.”

Jesus clearly told His followers to obey commands but to go beyond mere obedience. AND THEN SOME.

Gurley’s Soggy Bottom Music Barn in Somerville, AL

02/20/2017 By: CCPearson2 Comments

It is one of North Alabama’s hidden treasures. Located only a short distance from the intersection of Highway 36 and Highway 67 heading toward Brewer High School in Morgan County, Joel Gurley and his friends have created a venue for good food, good music and a way to help folks in need.

Sign at the entrance.

When Joel was asked about his motivation for building his barn, he quickly said, “It was for the veterans on Memorial Day.” He and his son had the land, and a large group of their friends donated labor to get the structure ready for use. First priority has always gone to the veterans, but after that cause was underway, various music groups were invited to come and play. Things took a downward turn in 2008, when the whole country had a financial crash of sorts. At that point, Joel realized that just having a band to come out and play wasn’t cost effective, so he began to look for worthy causes to support. He understood that having benefits at the barn could do a lot to help a family, so during the last 5 or 6 years, his efforts have been concentrated on veterans, raising money for families, helping the Civitan Club and utilizing different organizations for the cooking.

Soggy Bottom Music Barn from the parking lot.

Music still happens at the barn. Pretty much every time a benefit is held, music groups such as Jeff Whitlow, the Trinity Mountain Boys, Stan Nelson and Hurricane Creek, Fellowship Quartet, and/or Poorhouse Band donate their talents to bring people in to buy the barbecue which in turn provides funds for the families with needs. Joel remembers proudly: “The most that was ever raised in one night was $17,000 to help a family, and we’ve gotten close to that many other times.” He added with a grin, “The highest cake we ever sold brought $440!” In those cases, ladies bake the cakes and then donate them to the cause. When a benefit is held, Joel and his volunteers buy the meat and take only those expenses out of the proceeds. Nothing is taken out for labor. All of that is donated. Every penny of the rest goes to the family being helped.

Large barn ready to be used to help families and organizations.

Other organizations benefiting from Gurley’s Barn include the Brewer football team, the cheerleaders, the Gun Club and the Brewer High Chorus comes in once a year to present their concert. A church in Hartselle offers a tutoring program near the school, and the Barn has helped them raise $9000 a year for the past three years.

On the day Steve and I visited, volunteers were cooking over 70 Boston butts pre-sold by members of the Civitan Club. It was a real pleasure to speak with Civitan members, Cathy Muir and Ed and Merle Higdon. The Somerville Civitan Club stays very busy building wheelchair ramps — sometimes as many as 4 per week — and often their fundraising events are designated to provide resources for those ramps. Ms. Muir stated that there are many veterans living in the Somerville area, which explained the need for so many ramps. Plus, they also join forces with Civitans in Priceville and Hartselle when the need arises for ramps in those towns. However, on this particular day, the sale of Boston butts was specified for the 100th Anniversary of Civitans in Birmingham, representing the Alabama North district. Any money leftover was earmarked to go directly to the Civitan Research Center at U.A.B. (University of Alabama in Birmingham). Its main objective is to find the cause of mental and physical disabilities. I must say here that the two Boston butts we bought were scrumptious. The meat was well-seasoned and smoked to perfection. Ms. Muir also shared a recipe for her version of Brunswick stew using meat from a Boston butt. I hope to try it very soon. If you’re interested, see the recipe at the end of this article. It looks wonderful!

Checking the internal temperature of the Boston butts almost ready to come out of the smoker.

Fresh-smoked Boston Butt, ready to enjoy.

Generally speaking, more money is made when the meat is cooked, portioned out and sold in individual plates, rather than just sold as individual Boston butts. And, with the individual plates, more people can get involved in the projects. Mothers of the students in the school organizations can come in with their potato salads, baked beans and cakes, etc. and help make up the plates. And, according to Joel, “The more people involved in something, the better it is.” Knowing that so many different people come in to help, I was particularly impressed with the high health rating displayed on the wall in the barn’s kitchen.

High health rating in the kitchen of Soggy Bottom.

Joel quickly pointed out the people cooking on the day we were there and reminded us that these projects are very dependent on volunteers. Most at Soggy Bottom are neighbors and friends from the area.

Gurley’s Soggy Bottom Music Barn is available to rent out for events of all kinds, even weddings. Joel says that renters are welcome to bring in whatever they’d like in the way of decorations, etc. He just requires that everything be put back the way it was when the event is over. Joel’s number is (256) 606-7083 to make a reservation. He welcomes your inquires.

His next big event on the calendar will be held the last Monday in May, Memorial Day, probably the one he looks forward to more than any of the others. In addition to the great food and music, there will be a program honoring area veterans. He said anyone who loves America is welcome to come. Who could resist an invitation like that?

This one man with his desire to help people reminds me so much of the illustration of tossing a pebble into a pond creating continual ripple effects. Thank you, Joel, for inspiring me. I thank you for your generosity to the people of Morgan County, and I wish you much success in the days ahead.

Joel Gurley and me in front of the Soggy Bottom stage.

Cathy Muir’s Stew:

2 lbs Hamburger meat, browned and drained

1 lb BBQ pork, cooked and pulled

1/2 lb boned chicken, cooked and pulled

2 lg onions

2 cans cream corn

2 cans white corn whole

1 can tomato sauce lg

1 lg bottle of good ketchup (I bet that means Heinz)

Tabasco to taste

salt and pepper

Combine all ingredients and cook in slow cooker for 4 hours on high or on stove top for 2 hours at med heat stirring often.

Practicing Peace with a Big Dose of Thanksgiving

02/17/2017 By: CCPearson3 Comments

Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Those of us who are “in Christ Jesus” have the assurance of our salvation and the accompanying peace (the kind that those “in the world” marvel at) ready to be claimed at any moment and in every situation. Are we claiming it daily or are we holding out for a crisis? Are we activating the power of that peace with continual thanksgiving? Thanksgiving. Hmmmm. I confess that I don’t practice “counting my blessings” or just being grateful nearly enough. Could that possibly be the reason that I come across as frantic or worried rather than confident that God is able to handle all of the challenges of my life?

Today I visited two people who are going through tough times. Both of them inspired me with their attitudes.

My aunt is recovering from knee replacement surgery. Her door was unlocked, so I knocked and stuck my head in to hear her welcoming voice coming from the next room. We ate lunch, chatted and laughed together. She showed me her impressive scar and demonstrated her techniques for getting from place to place. She expressed her gratitude for her doctor, for the care of her husband, daughter and friends, for the sweet gestures from loved ones and for her pain medicine. I didn’t detect self-pity or bitterness. Just a determination to do what was going to be necessary to make a full recovery.

Then I made a short visit to the hospital to see a friend who sings in the choir with me and is in my Sunday School class. She is battling lung cancer, recently complicated by a harsh bout of pneumonia. She was wearing a wide smile and a cute hat when I arrived. Chemo treatments are beginning to cause her hair to fall out, but she’s preparing with hats and wraps — confident that it will all grow back in the not-too-distant future. This friend expressed thankfulness for the hospital staff, for her attentive husband, for ice cream, for her boss who has assured her that her job will still be waiting when she regains her strength, and for her daughter who is making plans to come and help when she gets home.

In both cases, gratitude was allowing “peace that transcends all understanding” to be realized. Both are believers. Both are being tested. Both are being great witnesses of their faith.

When my next crisis comes, I hope I will remember the visual and verbal testimonies of these two ladies. My prayer is that I will also be a witness to others of my own faith and of the peace that comes from knowing Jesus.

The Amazing Gift of a Godly Husband

02/10/2017 By: CCPearson4 Comments

Ephesians 5:25 — “Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.”

1 Peter 3:7 — “Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”

The last night of Cousins Camp 2016 was also Steve’s birthday. He couldn’t have imagined a better way to celebrate.

Here are a few things I’ve never heard Steve Pearson say:

“I will not change a diaper.”

“Cooking is your job. Don’t expect me to do it.”

“We’re going to do this my way. It doesn’t matter what you think or how you feel about it.”

“You need to work. Don’t expect me to support this family by myself.”

“Spend whatever you want. The sky is the limit.”

“You look pathetic. I’m ashamed to be seen with you.”

Never. Not once. Not even a HINT of any such words or thoughts have been communicated by my husband of almost 46 years.

Regarding diapers –The very first night we were home with our firstborn child, we took turns getting up with her, changing her diaper and rocking her back to sleep. Were there nights when I did most of the late-night feedings? Sure. But I can say unequivocally that Steve was a very involved co-parent, never shirking his responsibility. And I might add that he’s also great with the diapers of grandchildren, too.

Regarding cooking . . . or housework of any kind — Steve actually ENJOYS cooking, and he’s much better at washing dishes by hand than I am. We work together on the house when it is necessary. Generally speaking, he takes care of the yard, and I do the inside, but he knows how to do laundry, vacuum, dust and all the rest and is generous with his help.

Regarding decisions affecting both of us or all 5 of us when the kids were still home — Steve has always listened to and respected my thoughts and opinions. Does he have the deciding vote? Yes. But, I have never doubted that I was heard and considered.

Regarding me working outside our home — Steve has always recognized my NEED to use my education and talents. He has encouraged me to be fulfilled professionally. As a matter of fact, when I went back for a second college degree when our children were young, he did the lion’s share of child care and meal preparation while I was attending classes and student teaching. I had his unqualified backing and support.

Regarding financial spending — I would know he was sick with a high fever if he ever told me to spend to my heart’s content. Ha! Our biggest tugs-of-war have come from his overarching desire to save and mine to spend. Yet, we’ve BOTH found ways to be happy. We have a very comfortable standard of living AND a secure future — thanks 100% to his wisdom.

Regarding my physical appearance — The scales have varied vastly during the years we’ve been married, and my hairstyles have varied almost as much. He has always made me feel attractive and self-confident. Fluffy or skinny, very pregnant or recovering from surgery, no make-up or dressed “fit to kill,” he looks at me with love and adoration, and I bask in that feeling.

I love Steve Pearson with my whole heart. He is a treasure to me. The older we get, the more I value every day that we have together. He has LIVED the verses at the beginning of this post, and I have been the blessed recipient.

Yes, Valentine’s Day is next week, but I want him to know how I feel whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Chinese New Year, the 4th of July or Halloween. To my girlfriends out there — have you stopped lately to thank God for your husbands? Have you made a list of his special traits? This might be a good time to do it.

A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard: A Dining and Entertainment Venue Near Downtown Huntsville, AL

02/06/2017 By: CCPearsoncomment

I didn’t know it was there. I could have seen it when I was traveling Memorial Parkway in Huntsville, but I didn’t know where to look . . . until now.

Memorial Parkway is very close.

My cousin, aunt and I wanted a place to have lunch and visit recently, and they know how I like to explore new places and avoid chains, as a rule. My aunt is a long-time resident of Huntsville who eats out regularly, so she suggested the Lumberyard. The website is very well-done. Check it out here. A.M. Booth’s Lumberyard at 108 Cleveland Avenue, encompasses a line of formerly nondescript-looking buildings and now includes a restaurant, 5 bars, 4 stages and a large courtyard.

Exterior of the Lumberyard on Cleveland Avenue.

One of 4 stages at the Lumberyard.

It is open every day except Monday. From Tuesday to Friday, breakfast is served beginning at 8:00 a.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, the Lumberyard opens at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday through Sunday, it closes at 1:00 a.m.

Breakfast/brunch menu options are offered until 3:00 p.m. My Aunt June ordered Fred’s French Toast. It looked mighty good.

Fred’s French Toast.

My cousin Ginger had the Cobb Well Done, a large green salad with avocado, a boiled egg, smoked chicken, cheese and apricot barbecue sauce.

Cobb Well Done

I tried the homemade vegetable soup with a tomato base. It was bursting with flavor, and I enjoyed every bite.

Flavorful vegetable soup.

I only saw the small bar/cafe area known as the Kiln. Our food was good, and the service was attentive and friendly. But, I believe you’ll probably enjoy the Lumberyard most if you go when musicians are scheduled, when you want to have fun with friends, or on the weekends. You might also be invited to a wedding there.

The creative names of dishes on the menu are sure to bring a smile to your face, for example: Eggers Can Be Cheesers, Sweet Home Avocado, The Flying Pig, Seize Your Salad, When a Man Loves an Oven, Dixie Chickpeas and Meal Diamonds. Delightful plays-on-words. Weekend brunch specialties include: Pork Belly Eggs Benedict, Crab Cake Eggs Benedict and a mouthwatering concoction called The King — a peanut butter Belgian waffle, stuffed with bananas and crumbled bacon. Maybe some Saturday morning soon??

Being Southern vs. Telling the Truth

02/03/2017 By: CCPearson5 Comments

Can a carefully-trained Southern woman from a long line of carefully-trained Southern women really wear the “Belt of Truth?”

As Paul begins to summarize the apparel and the defensive and offensive weapons available to Christians engaged in spiritual warfare, the first piece named is the Belt of Truth.

Ephesians 6:14 — “Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist . . .”

I am currently in a Monday morning Bible study at First Baptist Athens facilitated by Dr. Betty Dean Newman as we work through Priscilla Shirer’s study of “The Armor of God.” Check it out here. You might remember Priscilla as the leading character in the movie “War Room,” but you need to also know her as a powerful teacher of the Bible. She researches deeply, and her verbal and visual illustrations are enlightening and provocative. Our study this week focused on the belt of truth in the well-known and much-preached-about passage of Ephesians 6:13-20.

In the video we saw, Priscilla went into great depth about the importance of the belt to facilitate the other pieces of the armor, the size and weight of the belt. Then, she began to remind us about falsehoods and myths surrounding each of us that need to be recognized and replaced with the truth of God’s Word.

This has set my mind swirling on the whole concept of truth and its importance.

Is it okay to tell a friend — “I love your hair.” “That outfit looks great on you.” “Have you lost weight?” “Your casserole/cake/meatloaf/fried chicken is the best I’ve ever eaten.” “Your solo was beautiful.” etc. etc. etc. when maybe those statements would be stretching the truth? Is it especially okay if we follow our compliment with “Bless your heart?” My Southern upbringing certainly applauds and encourages such talk.

What about when we tell OURSELVES — “Just one more bite of pie won’t hurt anything,” or “I deserve this (expensive) dress,” or “I’m an adult. I can watch an R-rated movie without it having any effect. After all, I’m here alone,” or “I need to check my Facebook and emails. I’ll get to my Bible reading in a minute.” There may be GRAINS of truth in each of those statements, but are they healthy, wise, edifying words of truth?

I have always been a big believer in transparency. I once heard — “If you always tell the truth, you don’t have to have such a good memory.” When someone asks me a direct question, I do my very best to give a totally truthful answer. But, does that mean that I have to spew out truth when, in fact, it is someone else’s truth, someone else’s story to share? Just because something is TRUE doesn’t give me permission to ever divulge the confidence of my husband and those who trust me.

But, rather than dwell on these potential rabbit trails, I am quite certain that the Apostle Paul was referring to biblical truth — of which there is NO END. By staying constantly in the Word, we have a limitless supply of truth to “buckle around our (own) waists” and to share with those within our sphere of influence.

My personal challenges this week?

Spend more time immersing myself in the TRUTH in God’s Word.
Apply the truth of the Bible to the plague of untruth, innuendo, anger and distortion swirling in the media during these days. Hebrews 12:1-2, Isaiah 26:3. I should fix my eyes on Jesus, and rest on the promise that God will “keep in perfect peace those whose minds are set on Him,”

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