Thursday

Mumble with a Jamaican Twist

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I’m not sure what language flight attendants study in preparation for their jobs, but the attendant on my trip from Washington, D.C., excelled at Mumble with a Jamaican twist

As she garbled her way through emergency evacuation instructions while we taxied toward the runway, I heard a child ask her mother, “What language is she speaking?” I was equally puzzled.

After the attendant's confusing discourse, she repeated her explanation without words. She pointed to the emergency exits and demonstrated how to fasten our seat belts, position oxygen masks over our noses, and use our seat cushions as flotation devices. Unlike her spoken instructions, her physical demonstration was clear and easy to understand. 

Sometimes our attempts to share our faith are much like my flight attendant’s safety demonstration. Hearing confusing and unfamiliar terminology, our neighbors and co-workers struggle to understand what we're saying. Sometimes we assume they know what we know, and we neglect to explain the basics of the gospel.

There is one universal language, however, that's effective for sharing both emergency flight instructions and faith. It is the language of demonstration. 

When I treat the disabled, dysfunctional, and downtrodden with love and respect, I demonstrate that people are created in the image of God. 

When I remain faithfully committed to my husband, I demonstrate that marriage is a covenant promise for a lifetime. 

When I unconditionally love those around me, I demonstrate how God loves me, even when I’m unlovable. 

When I give my time and talent to others, I demonstrate that everything I have comes from God and should be generously shared with others.

It’s important that we share our faith with clear and easily understood words. It’s also important that our actions demonstrate what our words say. God uses both methods of communication to share his love with a world that desperately needs it. 

How about you? Which method do you think is more effective for communicating the gospel? Can we separate one from the other? I invite you to leave a comment below and join the conversation.

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11 comments:

  1. I just love the spiritual lessons you find in your these life happenings.

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  2. God is everywhere, isn't he, Iris, if we just have eyes to see! Thanks for stopping by today.

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  4. I love this message. So often I feel tongue tied when it comes to knowing how to put my faith in to words. Yet demonstrating, whilst challenging too, speaks loudly to others.

    I linked here from 1-minute Bible Love Notes and thought you might want to link this post at the linkup I host called Essential Fridays.

    www.essentialthingdevotions.com

    I'm sure my readers would love to see this!

    Blessings.

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  5. Hi Lori! Oh my goodness, your description of the flight attendant's accent was hilarious! What's even funnier is that you have probably traveled a whole bunch in your life, and you are still listening attentively to the instructions...amazing!

    Actions sure do speak louder than words, and your point is well taken. I think it depends on my mood as to whether I would learn more through words or actions at the given time. We are moody people, aren't we? Well, I sure can be.

    Thank you for your smile-inducing post, and for the great spiritual points too :)

    Happy Friday!
    Ceil

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    1. Ceil, I'm afraid not to listen, because that would be the one time I'd have an emergency! Thanks for stopping by.

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  6. So good, Lori.
    I love the way you shared this story and how beautifully you fit it into the demonstration of Christ. Thanks, Lori. So good.

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  7. Great post. Essential truths. I am following you from Family Life.
    Blessings,
    janis www.janiscox.com

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  8. So true especially with kids! Sometimes what we say goes in one ear and our the other but what we do they can't ignore! Patsy

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  9. Dear Lori
    I have found through my life that there is one universal language everybody wants to hear and understand, it is the language of love. Empty words mean nothing, but a few filled with Jesus' love amounts to so much!
    Blessings XX
    Mia

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  10. I definitely think the non-verbal "actions" of our faith speak much louder than our words. However, I know that I am weaker on that side of communication than on the words I share. This is a great reminder, Lori, to focus more attention and allow God to empower me to speak His message loud and clear whether in word or deed. Great thoughts, my friend and so glad you linked up with Wedded Wed!

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Did this devotion speak to you? I'd love to hear your thoughts. Leave a comment below and join the conversation.