Jack’s Winning Words 8/30/17
“If you would judge, understand.”  (Seneca)  A friend, who is a judge, asked to be on my daily Prayer List.  To make decisions that dramatically affect the lives of people is an awesome responsibility.  I can see why a judge might ask for God’s help in decision-making.  In reality, we make people decisions every day… about people at work…or people in the news…or the person honking…or a “class” of people.  Seneca’s advice…”Understand!” (or try to).    ;-)  Jack

FROM ST PAUL IN ST PAUL:  i just forwarded your W Ws  to a friend of mine who sits on the MN Supreme Court.  a good man and a good Lutheran.====JACK:  Judges are human beings, and I'm sure that most of them (Lutheran or not) appreciate words of support for the job that is theirs to do.

FROM TRIHARDER:  "What an easy job."  How hard are the decisions when someone's freedom, life hang in the balance; Someone's life's work?  How much sleep is lost?  Especially if one does the job right.====JACK:  Did you ever aspire to being on the other side of the "bench?"

FROM NLAZING OAKS:  We're advised in the Bible, NOT to judge, but of course judges have no choice, and how very difficult their jobs must be ! Just read DARING TO DRIVE by Manal Al-Sharif, and what a memoir that is! Nothing but judgment for women in Saudi Arabia from parents, co-workers, educators, Muslim leaders, and police. My, to be female there! :-(  !!  These are  truly wise words from Seneca!  Understanding is the key====JACK:  You've highlighted one of the reasons not always to read the Bible literally, but rather to consider the context.  Daily life depends on making all kinds of judgments.  Some judgments have more serious implications that others.  Think of the ramifications of a society if there were no judges.  Even the Bible has, "Judges."  The fact of the matter is that true judging needs understanding.

FROM JE:  Please keep me on your prayer list. Yes – I do understand it is an awesome task to remember all who need God’s blessings and guidance.  Thank you dear friend====JACK:  I just checked.  You're still there.