I brought you in this world, I'll take you out

When your mama talks, keep your mouth shut.

The young lady was right; her mother had the wrong information. However, she tried to exchange words with her mother, rolled her eyes and then tried to walk off while her mother spoke. The conversation changed to confrontation, it became threatening, insults were exchanged, then the mother slapped the daughter several times.

Then there was silence.

Tears.

A few hours later, the mother learned that her daughter had been right about their issue. Apologies followed. Then there were more tears and requests for forgiveness.

Two lessons were learned that day. Parents should allow their children a chance to speak, uninterrupted, to explain themselves when questions arise. Situations often have odd appearances but logical explanations. Some clarifications reduces the need to argue.

The second lesson is that no matter how wrong your mother may be in an argument; "Be still, and keep your mouth shut while she is speaking and don't say one word after she has spoken unless asked." Mothers deserve a tremendous amount of respect, but they can be wrong. We must find ways to tactfully differ with them that does not show disrespect.

When there is a heated exchange between mother and child, many mothers in our neck of the woods have been known to throw down the gauntlet and say, "Keep messing with me, I brought you in this world and I'll take you out." -It's a threat spoken in tested love but carries serious implications.

Millions on our side of the track have been hit with shoes, switches, books, dishes, fan belts, straps, telephone receivers and just about anything else when we crossed our mothers and showed disrespect.They mean what they say.

Wise mothers have learned to listen to their children, treat them with respect and to act in love even in the midst of controversy and disagreement.

Wise children will always, approach mothers with respect; even when they believe she's wrong.

That's non-debatable.


Exodus 20:12 "Honour thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee."

Mother and daughter learned something after they finished their argument. The daughter learned to show her mother respect but she also learned although her mother said she would "take her out" in reality her mother would give up her own life if it would save her daughter.

In anger bad feelings prevail, but love conquers all.

The "I'll bust you in your mouth" syndrome

Vulgarities, threats and acts of vengeance are becoming common. Even children are learning its ugly ways.

The nation is extremely divided over the health care issue. This week congressmen, both Democrats and Republicans, have received threatening phone calls, bricks thrown through windows, a gas line cut at a home and effigies hung. People who are angry because of their votes on the issue have taken matters in their own hands. Threats of violence and violent acts have resulted.

As those threats hit the news there are reports of police officers being targeted by gang members in California in what the governor is calling urban terrorism. Driveby shootings, and thuggery are on the increase. There seems to be a trend toward violent retribution in the nation.

It starts personally when one person calls another and threatens them verbally or physically.

It starts globally when one nation threatens to drop bombs on another or one president pledges to capture or kill the leader of another nation. Retribution inspires more retribution and violence inspires more violence.

When a perceived evil has been done we should work to correct it using every legitimate channel at our disposal; but retribution and violence should not be an option.

Romans 12:19 says, "Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."

Even as I think on this, there are two children on the playground with their fists balled up and chests bumping yelling threats, "Say something! I dare you! Say something and I'll bust you in your mouth."

And the cycle of violence continues...