Misspelled Life?

Posted on March 14, 2022 by mitchteemley
Sacredness of LifePhoto by Johannes Plenio

Thought for the Week

We all struggle with just how fully to participate in life. Or whether to even do so at all. We must fight the impulse to disconnect, to hide rather than care for this world in all its ugly, beautiful, painful complexity — whether to fully engage it in its frightening sacredness. But whether we spell life sacred or scared is a matter of life and death. For just as the careful reversal of two letters can completely change a word, the careful reversal in how we live can completely change our world.

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” ~Albert Einstein

“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” ~Ephesians 5:15-16

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” ~Anne Frank

“(For) the sacredness of life is the greatest gift that God has given us.” ~Mother Teresa

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About mitchteemley

Writer, Filmmaker, Humorist, Thinker-about-stuffer
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20 Responses to Misspelled Life?

  1. artsandletters9 says:
    March 14, 2022 at 12:33 pm

    A very timely post, Mitch. Barbarism is rearing its horrid head in Europe at the same time thousand of lives are being spared COVID-19 and cured of it as well. Hope, faith and love will get us through.

    Liked by 4 people

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  2. ejstoo says:
    March 14, 2022 at 2:33 pm

    Too much use has been made of the concept during COVID. If you protect yourself or others by wearing a mask, you’re scared or living in fear. Does this mean if you go out and infect yourself and the vulnerable to illness that you are being brave? I find it a misused and overused statement. But, that’s just my opinion…anyway just thought to give a few thoughts of my own 😉 . Then we can get into historic definitions…ecclesiastical settlements have sometimes chosen to remove themselves from society to live a life of contemplation. Others have dedicated themselves to helping the poor and needy. Is either right or wrong? Depends on the person and the definition. There is too wide a definition of living life to judge what another does. Each must decide for themselves. Have a great day 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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    • mitchteemley says:
      March 14, 2022 at 3:01 pm

      I see it a little differently, Jean. Jesus called his disciples to “be the servant of all” (Mark 9:35). Those living lives of contemplation, if they’re sincere about following Jesus, are striving to do so by serving in their cloistered community and through prayer. I don’t believe living “scared,” “hiding,” or being “disconnected” is the goal of these communities. Likewise, separatist groups like the Amish strive to serve in their community and be models to “the world” around them (although they have been criticized by some for their approach). There are, I believe, as many ways to care for our world as there are individuals in it.

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  3. K.L. Hale says:
    March 14, 2022 at 6:15 pm

    Beautiful post, Mitch. It’s not irony that I needed to read these words. Due to some challenges, some of my own and some “given” to me, I started to cower a bit in fear. Thank you, God for meeting us where we are and convicting me to “uncower”. The quotes are so meaningful to me.

    Liked by 1 person

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  4. Kate Duff says:
    March 14, 2022 at 6:29 pm

    There is much going on (but isn’t there always?) that causes us to be weary and think it best to retire, retreat into our own shells whispering “hell is other humans” (Oscar Wilde?) But I think it is because of the negative bias of the media, which corresponds with our own negative bias (stemming from the ancient amygdala’s penchant for searching for danger in our surroundings). Yet nature informs us constantly that balance is the more accurate state of life, even our own bodies are constantly striving to return to homeostasis. Therefore it is not a retreat that is required but a broadening of the field of information that we take in. WordPress is always a great place to find art, poetry, writing, that is good for the soul. Yours is a particularly good place to rest the eyes and mind Mitch.

    Liked by 2 people

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  5. Priscilla Bettis says:
    March 14, 2022 at 6:49 pm

    The Ephesians quote is sobering. Einstein’s is inspiring. Frank’s is amazing…how did such a young girl possess so much wisdom?

    Liked by 2 people

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  7. nonsmokingladybug says:
    March 14, 2022 at 9:29 pm

    I think our society is lost…period. 🙂

    Liked by 2 people

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  8. Americaoncoffee says:
    March 15, 2022 at 5:26 am

    Well stated and shared with scripture. Blessings.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Experience Film says:
    March 17, 2022 at 10:48 pm

    A timely reminder that all life is precious. And that we always have the power to do good☀️ I’m so glad you share this wisdom!

    Liked by 1 person

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