“Above all else-
[Tweet “Put on #love- which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Col. 3:14”]
I don’t know if you’ve had a chance to read an article that’s going viral- at least in the special needs universe. I’m still shocked that it happened in our “tolerance” driven world.
Written by Chuck Colson’s daughter, Emily, it’s aptly named, Darkness in the Theater. (click on link to read) Her story is right out of a nightmare for any parent of a special needs child. Her son, Max, is autistic and 23.
It all began when Emily and Max decided to enjoy a movie together. Simple things become complicated when your child has sensory issues. As the movie experience unfolded, it all became too much for Max. The lights dimmed and the previews began, he began to vocalize that he wanted to leave.
What happened next was unbelievable to me. People began to shout out for them to leave. The darkness of the theater became host for another darkness. As Emily began to try to transition Max so they could leave the theater, the cowardly crowd’s demands increased, crescendoing to applause as they exited the theater.
Seriously?!
Our oldest son, Noah, and I were talking about what in the world is wrong with people? Where is the kindness and respect? And in a country that pledges their allegiance to the flag of “tolerance”- just where the heck is it?
[Tweet “I’d choose #love and #respect over #tolerance any day!”]
Noah said some things that got my electrons firing.
“Mom, people I don’t think people really want to be tolerant, they want to be tolerated and told they can do whatever they want.
I think I’ve observed this. People jump on you about being tolerant but they’re not tolerant of you if you have a different opinion.
Noah went on to say:
“Tolerance is weak. Tolerance says I don’t care.” It allows people to do anything, anywhere, anytime.
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Love is strong and says, “I want the best for you so much I’ll fight for truth no matter if anyone agrees or not.”
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“Tolerance is lazy and hurtful.”
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“Love cares too much to let wrong be called right or evil prevail……..”
The more we talked we arrived at a conclusion.
[Tweet “True Love is anything BUT tolerant. #truth #justice #kindness”]
Looking at their definitions side by side shows me clearly, I want nothing to do with tolerance and everything to do with love.
Tolerance- to allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of (something that one does not necessarily like or agree with) without interference.
Love– a profoundly tender, passionate affection for another person.
[Tweet “As human beings, we aren’t called to #tolerate anyone or anything. #lovePeople”]
It might seems like tolerance = love.
True Love Won’t Tolerate:
[Tweet “True Love doesn’t say- “I’m O.K. You’re OK.” when you’re not OK.”]
True Love is a powerful catalyst. Active righteousness.
[Tweet “True Love speaks up and acts up to overcome wrong.”]
So don’t get Noah and I started on the ridiculous word and concept- tolerance.
Our goal in life is not tolerance.
Our aim is much higher.
[Tweet “Don’t tolerate people. #Love them. Don’t #tolerate wrong. Speak up.”]
Surprising Treasure: God doesn’t tolerate us. He welcomes us with His love.
Then His LOVE compels and propels us to walk in the Truth.
What a great analysis and mouthful of wisdom from you and your Noah! This needs to be shouted to the world, like something Sarah Palin could do. 🙂 To start the ball rolling, I have to share this on facebook. I’ve decided I have an answer for some who charge, in a controversial discussion, that Christians are supposed to turn the other cheek. In other words, “stay out of it and let us do what we please.” Well, even Jesus,(who did much more than turn the other cheek for us), took action against
the challenge of the money changers in the temple!
Loads of love to you and your loved ones.
Thanks Edy! Oh, how people love to quote turn the other cheek and give up your cloak if they ask for it. I believe most people are missing the context. (here is one great analysis of that passage- http://www.gotquestions.org/turn-other-cheek.html ) The more we started talking about it, the more we realized how weak and inferior tolerance is. There are many things God won’t tolerate- If we tolerate evil, then we endorse it. People want to “let people do whatever they want” and yet accuse God for not doing anything about the rampant evil in this world. We can’t have it both ways. Until we recognize there is a standard of right and wrong (coming from our Creator Himself) we will drift down the seas of tolerance until we cascade over a waterfall of no return. Thanks for always encouraging us! Love you Edy! <3
The Barclays are watchmen and women on the wall! You write so much to “munch” on that I appreciate, Cindy. Thank you, also, for the link. Love you all to pieces! 🙂
Thanks Edy. I hope we shout loud and clear from our little spot on the wall. We all hope we not only encourage, but set people sizzling when it comes to thinking and applying God’s principals in this “vacuum of spiritual knowledge” in our society.
I just thought of another example that people seem to forget. Yes- Jesus is love- but Revelations portrays Him coming back with a sword coming out from His mouth- there is going to be a battle- and the unrighteous (by God’s definition not ours) will be judged and dealt with- on earth and somehow through eternity. True Love will not allow evil to continue on this earth.
Great job mom. Very well said. Obviously I couldn’t agree more 🙂
You are my inspiration, Noah! You helped all my random thoughts gel! hugs