"Yes" or "No"

Adrian has known how to say, "no" for some time now. We have also taught him the baby-sign-language for the word "yes." Now we are trying to teach him to vocally say the word "yes." I am finding it to be a difficult task. The problem is compounded when he uses the word "no" in place of "yes" so that you don't know if he means to say "yes" or "no." This confusion reaches it's climax when you ask Adrian something like, "Do you want a snack?" He responds by saying "No!" and at the same time shaking his head up and down in affirmation!

Today I was meeting this frustration and a memory verse from the Bible reappeared in my head. I remembered it as something like, "Let your 'yes,' be 'yes,' and your 'no,' 'no.' I looked up yes and no in the concordance and I found a reference to 2 Corinthians 1:17 that says something like this. It says, "Or do I make my plans in a worldly manner so that in the same breath I say, "yes, yes" and "No, no?""

My study Bible says that at the time Paul was combating some of his opponents who were damaging Paul's reputation, and therefore the truthfulness of his message, by claiming that his change in travel plans indicates his word can't be trusted. Paul says that he is not someone who says both "yes" and "no" at the same time. And this gets me thinking about politics.

I really don't want to talk about politics - except that I started this blog as a way to try to force myself to speak. I find too much safety in keeping quiet, and in the process, I have the mistaken notion that I will never be wrong. Sometimes failing to speak one's perspective is the epitome of being wrong. So, for now, here's what I have to say about the political climate.

I generally have a frustration in the process of selecting a president. I feel like both candidates are in a systemic situation that doesn't allow them to say "yes" and "no." So I find myself not able to trust either one of them - not knowing if they are saying "yes" or "no." It's like I'm looking at my 18-month old and asking him, "Are you telling me what you think, or what your people and your party is telling you to say?" And in response they are both saying, "No!" while shaking their heads excitedly in affirmation!

God of the nations, I pray that you would not stand by idly during this election. Move your hand; take action! Do not allow a fallen and corrupt system put a person in a place of power. Let your justice and righteousness flow from your throne. May you graciously allow us to be your examples of light in the darkness. I ask that you use the US political system to achieve your ends and not fight against them. We are either for you or against you Lord. Make our "yes," "yes," our "no," "no." I pray this in the name of Jesus. Amen.