Norfords' Ramblings

Saturday June 6, 2009

Reckless words pierce like a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 12:18.

I’m glad I had my surgery when I did, because this year is turning out to be very busy. Our books arrived about the time I felt like my old (the operating word) self again, and set in motion a round of telephone calls, emails, faxes and visits to many locations to promote the book. Fortunately, Ann, my constant support, enjoys the challenge, but it’s not my cup of tea! I am happier at my computer than gadding about trying to sell books. However, I guess promotion is part of writing, at least until you are “Shack” writer.

I have to agree with our text regarding “reckless words,” but note that there are times when silence is not so golden either. One of the disappointing things about promotion is that in contacting people and organisations regarding the book our approaches are often ignored. Many emails to magazines, and phone calls—even repeated calls—to radio and television stations go unanswered. What makes it worse is that as a general rule, we have better courtesy shown to us by non-Christian bookstores, outlets and media than Christian ones, although the larger Christian organisations tend to be more business-like.

It’s almost as if being in God’s service puts them above the common rabble and so makes common courtesy irrelevant. Yet recognizing the value and dignity of every person derived from the Image of God in each one deserves that we treat every person at all stratas of life with respect. At least hurting words recognize your existence, ignoring you denies it! The opposite of love is not just hate; it is also indifference.