Dealing with Anger

The wise man wrote “An angry man stirs up strife, And a furious man abounds in transgression” (Proverbs 29:22).    It should come as no surprise that anger and evil are closely related.  How many times have we heard people use anger as an excuse for their actions?   “I just got so angry I just couldn’t control my tongue.”   “I shouldn’t have slammed the door, but I was so mad”      “You make me so furious, I just could not control myself”       Anger is a God-given emotion, and is not of itself sinful.  The scriptures instruct “be angry and do not sin…” (Ephesians 4:26).   Thus, while we understand that anger itself is not evil, it also is not a basis or excuse to do evil.   The scriptures clearly show the importance of keeping ourselves from sin, even when we are angry.      Aristotle said “Anybody can become angry - that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way - that is not within everybody's power and is not easy.”     This is the key!   While there is nothing wrong with the initial feeling of anger, it is vastly important that our anger is justified, properly placed, and managed without sinning.   

Psychologists define anger as “a feeling of tension and hostility, usually caused by anxiety aroused by a perceived threat to one's self, possessions, rights, or values” (Saunders, 2003).      Like heat, anger has degrees.    It helps us to properly understand anger and how to manage it appropriately, when we can define these degrees.  June Hunt gives the following degrees of anger.

            Indignation—simmering anger proved by something unjust and often perceived as justified. 

                Wrath—burning anger accompanied by a desire to avenge

                Fury – fiery anger so fierce that it destroys common sense

Rage – blazing anger resulting in loss of self-control, often to the extreme of violence and [possibly]     temporary insanity (Hunt, 2008)

These degrees generally build off of the next.  A general rule is that people do not fly off into fits of rage as a first response when a perceived need or expectation is not met.   If such seems to be the case, there is likely another, more deeply-seated cause for the anger.   It is crucial that we deal with the true cause of anger if we are to manage it effectively.  

As earlier noted, anger is not sinful.  The initial feeling of anger is merely an emotion that is a God-given response to circumstances around about us.    That is why the scriptures show us clearly that we should not allow anger to give us reason to sin.  “Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your wrath” (Ephesians 4:26).  The key is to seek a resolution for the feeling promptly, so that it is not harbored to the point that it becomes resentment.    Harboring anger can have negative affects upon your personal life, work relationships, home life, etc.   Thus, as the inspired apostle notes “do not let the sun go down on your wrath.”    Resolve it quickly!

In seeking a resolution, it may be that we were wrong in our feeling and/or response to the situation.   The common, but completely wrong, way of considering anger says “I feel that I was wronged based upon my perception of fairness and what I have determined is right.  I have the right to be angry, and to express that anger in whatever way is natural to me.”      This is how most people, including Christians, feel even if they will not admit it.    Yet the scriptures paint quite a different picture regarding how we should respond to feelings of anger.  Peter wrote “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).   “The Message” renders it this way:

I know how great this makes you feel, even though you have to put up with every kind of aggravation in the meantime. Pure gold put in the fire comes out of it proved pure; genuine faith put through this suffering comes out proved genuine. When Jesus wraps this all up, it’s your faith, not your gold, that God will have on display as evidence of his victory.

We might understand it as it relates to anger like this.   “Because God rules over me, and I have submitted myself to his will, I will view these human disappointments as opportunities for growth in the Lord.   I will not use anger as a basis for sin, nor will I be controlled by it.  I will rather use it as an opportunity to, in faithfulness; behave in ways that are pleasing to God. ”   This is how anger should be viewed by the child of God.  It is often more difficult to do that it is to say, however.   

Often we allow our anger to serve as an excuse for our actions (or overreactions).    We allow past anger to become deep seated, and we allow those around about us to bear the brunt of our wrath.   This, while a common response even among Christians, is in truth an affront to a holy and righteous God.  Further it does not allow us to grow in the faith in the midst of such trials.    

How is it then that we should manage the feelings of anger that we experience?    You should first determine if the source of your anger is deep-seated, unresolved, resentment from some past event(s). In order to do this, you need to consider the reason for your anger.   This may mean honestly looking at yourself and realizing that you are harboring resentment. So often we can easily see this in others, but overlook it in ourselves.     When you do this and you pin-point the initial cause of the anger, you will be well on your way to bringing an end to the destructive actions   that emanate from the anger.    David  penned these words “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting”  (Psalm 139:23-24).      It is only by following the everlasting way, that those “wicked ways” that are within us can be removed.     When a person becomes a Christian, he becomes a “new creature” (cf. 2 Corinthians 5:17).  It is by following the word of God that our mind is renewed (cf. Romans 12:3), when we make application of the eternal principles of the gospel, we can overcome these sins that seek to take us captive.   It is through our understanding and application of God’s word that we can put these things away from us.    To the church at Ephesus, Paul wrote, “Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice.” (Ephesians 4:31).    These things have no place in the life of the faithful child of God.   We must make the choice to put them away.  

Even if we do not harbor resentment or malice, we still will have feelings of anger from time to time.   It is also important to know how to manage these feelings in order that we do not sin.  One thing that some people do is bottle up their anger, and do not properly express it.   They may not even admit that they are experiencing the emotion.   This is not helpful.   If something angers us, this is not sinful.   We must insure that we do not allow it to be an excuse for sin.  Again, though, you must consider the source of your anger.  What is it that is making you angry?    Then, honestly look at why it is making you angry.   Are you expecting others to meet your standards?   (ex. “Doesn’t she realize that I work all day and expect quiet when I get home?”)    Do you distort the issue?  (ex. Do you generalize by saying things like “ you never …” or  “You always…” ?).    Perhaps you are using anger as a means to have some inner needs met.    Do you use anger to manipulate those around about you?   Do you have explosive outbursts to give yourself a feeling of significance?    Do you use controlling anger by demanding certain conditions of those around you so that you feel secure (Hunt, 2008)?    Anger is not a means to have needs met.   Using it in that way will have disastrous effects upon your life.   Your marriage life will likely be strained; children may be provoked to wrath (cf. Ephesians 6:4), and your home could be characterized by folks “walking on eggshells,” and ruled by fear, rather than one of nurture and love.   

The way to combat this is to trust in God and his word.   Peter said “as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” (2 Peter 1:3).    The Lord has given us what we need to ensure that our needs are met. Rather than seeking to control or manipulate those around about you in order to give the perception of  the need being met,  learn to follow God’s plan and trust his will that you will be much happier because your needs will truly be met. 

 One way that we can do this is to consider Paul’s instruction to the Philippians: 

 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.  Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.  Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,  but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.  And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:3-8).

The primary reason for sin associated with anger comes from an attitude of selfishness.   The remedy is that we do not think of ourselves first, but we consider the feelings and needs of others before our own.  We look out for their interests.   As an example, Paul uses Christ who came from heaven in humility  and gave up the glory associated with his deity, in order that you and I might be partakers in his sacrifice.    Can we not let the same mind be in us?   So what if we are “wronged.”    The proper response is not to seek to control others or to manipulate them, but rather to look to their needs and interests before our own as Christ did.

 When we experience anger we should assess the reason for the feeling.  Is it really justified, or is it a result of a violation my own standard?    What response will be beneficial to the situation?   Is the issue so important that it needs to be addressed?   Will you, by addressing it, be able to change it? If not, there is no need to openly express your anger.      If it does require a response, choose your words carefully, and consider the long-term implications that they may have.  Also, do not automatically assume that the other person is wrong, there may be circumstances that you do not know which brought on the issue.  Solomon said “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him” (Proverbs 18:13).      Even if you are in the right, and the other person is in the wrong how much harm can be done if we are unyielding, and cruel?   What good is done by saying things that you will regret?      Paul encouraged the Philippians “ let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you know how to answer each one”  (Colossians 4:16). 

It is true that anger is not sinful, but it also is not a basis or excuse for sin.  It is wrong for the child of God to harbor malice and resentment, thus we must seek to resolve issues of anger both appropriately and in a timely manner.   “But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth…since you have put off the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:8-9). 

References

Hunt, June.   (2008).  “Counseling Through Your Bible Handbook.”  Eugene. 51,55.

Sanders.  (2003). Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health,

Seventh Edition.  Retrieved from http://medicaldictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Anger+(psychology)

Render Unto Caesar… Taxes

We live in a society that expresses a great deal of complaint regarding the paying of taxes.   No one likes to pay taxes, and most feel that somehow the tax structure is putting them at a disadvantage.  Many feel like the tax system is too complex, and should be replaced with something simpler.   

In addition to these concerns, other questions arise regarding the use of tax revenues.   In many cases tax revenues are applied to programs, agencies, and bureaucracies of which many citizens may disapprove.   Some of this disapproval may be due to personal scruple or political ideology; others are the result of the funding of things which are contrary to biblical teaching.   Because of these questions, some Christians  question their responsibility to pay taxes.   Is it right and biblical for Christians to pay taxes?   Are there occasions when Christians are afforded the biblical basis to withhold the paying of their taxes?   

In truth, the answer to these questions and objections are given at the very heart of Jesus’ answer to the Pharisees concerning taxes.   The account of this event is found in Matthew 22:15-22, Luke 20:20-26, and Mark 12:13-17.    Luke records it in this way:

 So they watched Him, and sent spies who pretended to be righteous, that they might seize on His words, in order to deliver Him to the power and the authority of the governor.  Then they asked Him, saying, “Teacher, we know that You say and teach rightly, and You do not show personal favoritism, but teach the way of God in truth: Is it lawful for us to pay taxes to Caesar or not?”  But He perceived their craftiness, and said to them, “Why do you test Me? Show Me a denarius. Whose image and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Caesar’s.” And He said to them, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” But they could not catch Him in His words in the presence of the people. And they marveled at His answer and kept silent.

There are a lot of lessons that may be learned from considering these passages.  We can see the wickedness of men who used flattery in an attempt to trick the Lord.  We can see the wisdom of Christ’s answer that left the Pharisees speechless.  And, we can see the answer to the question before us now.  Jesus said “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s…”     The child of God bears the responsibility to pay his taxes. 

Paul, in his letter to the Christians at Rome noted the importance of children of God to be subject to the governing authorities.   He wrote “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God” (Romans 13:1).    Paul points out the reasons for this in the following verses.  He notes that one role of government is to punish evil (cf.  Romans 13:4-5).    In that vein, he penned these words “For because of this you also pay taxes, for they [the governing authorities] are God’s ministers attending continually to this very thing. Render therefore to all their due: taxes to whom taxes are due, customs to whom customs, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor” (Romans 13:6-7). 

The responsibility of Christians to pay taxes is clear in the context of these passages.  There is no provision made for withholding them because we may disagree with the governmental use of the revenues.   It is true that our government today funds, with tax dollars, some programs that are reprehensible.  Yet the same could be said of the Roman government during the early days of the church.     However, this was not an excuse to forego the requirement. 

 Consider an example in Jesus’ life wherein he was called upon to pay the annual temple tax.  This was a Jewish tax that was paid annually by Jewish males, and used for the preparation of the temple for the Passover season.    In Matthew 17, Jesus was teaching his disciples.  In verse 24 they came to Capernaum, and Peter was called upon to pay this tax.    The text records,  “When they had come to Capernaum, those who received the temple tax came to Peter and said, ‘Does your Teacher not pay the temple tax?’  He said, ‘Yes’” (Matthew 17:24-25).  In  verse 27, we learn that the coin for the tax would be provided in a miraculous way, yet one point that we note is that Jesus ensured that this tax was paid. 

Think about this though, this coin went into the temple treasury.  This is the same temple that Jesus had previously cleansed, driving out those who were wicked (John 2:14-16).  He would do so again, and pronounce its destruction (Matthew 21:12-13).    This temple represented a system that would soon come to an end, and that in A.D. 70 would be utterly destroyed.    The leaders of this temple would pay 30 pieces of silver to Judas for Jesus’ life.  Yet the tax was paid.     When those collecting the tax came to Peter and asked if Jesus paid the tax, there was no long speech about how he did not pay for things that he did not support.   Peter’s answer was simply “yes.” Jesus paid his taxes, even when he may have disagreed with the intended use. 

Christians should be the best citizens, and always subject to the governing authorities “not only because of wrath, but for conscience sake” (Romans 13:5).  God has given the government its authority for a purpose.   It is the duty of Christians to submit to the authority of that government, even in the paying of taxes. For in doing so we submit to God’s authority.  “For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God “  (Romans 13:1)  We see that there is no biblical bases to exclude oneself from the responsibility, even when the proceeds of those taxes fund programs which are contrary to biblical precept.   We also note that in Christ, the perfect example, we see his willingness both in teaching and practice to “render therefore to Caesar the things which are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s” Can we, his followers, do any less?  

Moral Implications of Calling Jesus "Lord"

"The evidence is clearly in favor of Jesus as Lord. Some people, however, reject the clear evidence because of the moral implications involved. They don't want to face up to the responsibility or implication of calling him Lord"(Josh McDowell, "More Than a Carpenter", p. 34).

The above quote by Mr. McDowell illustrates a really good point, and one that I have thought for a number of years. There is no secret that there as been quite a number of new-found “atheists” and “agnostics” among my generation. I suppose there could be any number of reasons given for this, and I don’t propose to know all of them, or to ascribe motives to any person regarding their reason for so-called “unbelief.” I obviously cannot speak to any one person’s choice, and I don’t propose to. However, in general I think that McDowell hit the nail on the head. I am convinced that from general observation most people simply do not want the moral responsibility of being a Christian.

Making the choice to honestly and truly call Jesus “Lord” would mean too many changes, too much responsibility, and too much accountability.

It would mean that they would have to account for their fornication.

It would mean that they would have to account for their adultery.

It would mean that they would have to account for their drug and alcohol use and abuse.

It would mean that they would have to account for their support of the murder of the unborn in abortion.

 Their multiple divorces and remarriages, their dishonesty, their support of perversion, their use of ungodly and profane language, etc., would have to be accounted for, and there is no desire to be accountable for these actions.


Now don’t misunderstand me, because I’m quite sure that with each and everything noted here, you can find a person who claims to be a “Christian” who has practiced these things. That’s not the point, but more on that shortly. For some folks believing there is no God gives them the justification to continue in wickedness. If they believe they are not accountable, then they don’t have the conscience problem that accompanies sin. This is McDowell’s point.

Now regarding  “Christians” who practice, or have practiced these things, first note that there is a difference between one who is practicing these things, and one who once practiced them but now has repented (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11). God will not hold  to their charge  those who have repented of sin, and submitted to his divine will. Yet many supposed “Christians” practice these things and seek to feel justified in them as well. Thus they have invented doctrines (not unlike the atheists and agnostics) that allow them to continue in sin and not feel accountable. You hear phrases  like “once saved, always saved” or “perseverance of the saints.” You hear people talk about “feeling the Holy Spirt” or saying “God knows my heart”, etc. These doctrines are common among evangelical churches, and they produce the same result in a person that does atheism. That is, they do not have to feel accountable to God for their wickedness.

The fact is, none of these ideas truly  changes our accountability before God. Each of us, regardless of belief or lack thereof , will one day stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account for ourselves (2 Cor. 5:10; Romans 14:11-12). All of our conscience-salving will not change the fact that “The soul that sins, it shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20).

The answer then for us is to realize that creation itself cries out the existence of an Almighty God (Romans 1:17-20), and that each of us is accountable to God for the life that we lead on this earth (Ecc. 12:13-14).

“Pride Goes Before Destruction”

There was once a Naval Captain who, in the course of his duties off of the coast of eastern Canada, received a radio transmission which said:
“Turn your vessel 10 degrees north.”

To which he replied, “I am Capt. Mitchell of the U.S. Navy, you turn your vessel!”

The reply said “I am chief Petty Officer Smith; turn your vessel ten degrees north.”

The captain replied “I will not turn; you turn your vessel, petty officer!” .

To which the reply was returned “Sir, turn your vessel ten degrees north, this is a light house!”

(http://www.flickr.com/photos/slcasey/page3/)


So often we think more highly of ourselves than we ought to think (cf. Rom 12:3). We may get the idea that we have nothing else to learn, or that others have nothing to teach us. The Bible gives us a different picture. Solomon wrote “A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel” (Proverbs 1:5 NKJV). Those who are “wise” seek understanding and wise counsel from wherever it may come, and they apply it.

Had the captain let his pride rule the day, the result would have been devastating. Let us never let such pride keep us from attaining wisdom. “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (Proverbs 16:18 NKJV).

This post was written for the Devotional Page of "The Courier," Conroe's local Newspaper.

Friends Forever?

It has been said that people only have one or two “good friends.” You know ,the kind of friends that you can talk to about matters of great importance including those that may need some discretion as well. They are the kind of friends with whom you share joy and sorrow . These are the friends that are dear to you, that you trust and that you have fun with, that you cry with. They are the type of friends that are there through good times and bad. I believe it to be true that really at any given time people are only capable of having a very few really good friends. Yet looking back over my own life, I’ve seen because of changes in circumstances, those “good” friends are exchanged from time to time.

Clara Odelia Ciutara penned these words

TRUE FRIEND
Friend gives you smile
But true friend gives you happiness

Friend will lie about you
But true friend won’t tell your weakness

Friend knives your back
But true friend will slog your face

Thousands friends come when you’re happy
But only one true friend comes when you cry

Friend comes when he needs you
But true friend comes when you need him

Friend leaves when everybody does
But true friend comes when everybody leaves

Friend comes and leaves
But true friend is yours forever (http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/true-friend-55/)

For instance during my elementary school days, Jeremy was my best friend. We played on the playground, spent the night at each other's  house, made prank calls, etc. We liked the same things and spent quite a lot of time together.  Yet as we grew and by the time we made it to middle school things had changed. Our classes were different, and we didn’t see each other much at school. Jeremy later moved to Oklahoma and I haven’t heard from him since. Thus ipso facto, a new “best friend” was found to take his place.

During my junior high days, Doc was my closest friend. Like Jeremy we spent a lot of time together, liked the same things, and enjoyed one another’s company. Middle school was the time when we first started noticing girls. Of course, I was as dorky as they come and “notice” was about all I did. Doc had a girlfriend or two during that time, and I remember we’d have our parents drop us off at the movies, or the skating rink and we’d spend our free time on the weekends trying to pretend we were “cool.” I failed miserably at that one. Of course as way leads on to way, by the time we reached high school things changed yet again.

Thus, Doc was replaced.

Brandon was a good friend in high school (and even thereafter). He remained quite constant in my life for a long time. Brandon and I became friends for a number of reasons. We went to church together. We met in the seventh grade when his family moved to town, and his parents and mine became good friends rather quickly. Thus, we spent a lot of time together. We would stay up late on the weekends and rent videos, or watch the “B” movies that they played on the USA channel’s “Up All Night” Program. We had a lot of great times and helped one another through our awkward teen years. We remained friends even after our high school days and helped each other with some difficult times. He is a true friend and I am glad that he was one of my closest friends at such a crucial time in my life. Unlike the others, Brandon and I did not just “drift” because of circumstances. With Brandon it was my own foolish decision that drove a wedge between us. We remain friends even now, but this are not like they were during the proverbial “back then.”

Another really good friend during those High School days was Carlos (though he also answered to “Josh” or “Joe.” But that’s a long story best saved for another time). Josh lived a block away from me my whole life, yet we didn’t really become good friends until we were in High School. We were Law Enforcement Explorers together, and we spent our weekends riding with the officers of the Pampa Police Department (like I noted earlier, I was a huge nerd). My senior year and his junior we each had vocational welding classes at the same time. I had mine in the ag shop, his was in the welding shop. Under the guise of “working on a major project,” we would each tell our respective teachers that we were going to work on this project in the classroom of the other, t which time we met at my truck and cut class. I could tell a litany of stories of all the ridiculous things that we did in High school, but I probably should wait until the statute of limitations runs out. In all actuality though, I need to devote one of these blogs to some of those stories. Josh and I spent a lot of time making big plans for the future. Little did we know that our future would be nothing at all like the plans we made. We took different paths. We are still friends as well, but again the closeness that characterized our younger days has dissipated. We keep in touch from time to time, and he remains on my list of folks that I would drop what I was doing to pull him out of the ditch.

After high school, I remained close friend with Brandon and Josh for a number of years. And though I do still consider them both friends now, the closeness that once was there is gone because of miles and circumstances of life.

As life continues to  realign, new opportunities present themselves.


Who will be the new best friends in years to come?

What circumstances will it be that bring us together and cause us to develop this bond?

How long will it last?

Who will follow?

The answers to these questions are yet to be answered, but life, circumstances, and issues are all fraught with possibility. Thus I am thankful for the contribution that each of these has made to my life, and I know that I would not be who I am without their mark. The time we spent as best friends gave me perspective that helped to make me the man that I am today. The experiences that we had helped to forge those friendships. Each of these guys will always be a friend to me, and they each will still hold some variable level of “closeness,” but time, chance, and circumstance present new opportunities for new close friends. I will embrace those chances for possibility and growth.

A Few Things That Get On My Nerves

Recently I read an article about the top phrases that should be dropped in 2011. The list contained things like the term “viral” to reference a Youtube video that has a great many hits, and the trite and over-used term “epic.”

You can find the article here

While I agree completely with almost every word on the list, I have decided to put together a list of a few words and phrases, in addition to people and institutions that I find caustic, trite, and excessively annoying. Consider the following in no particular order.

“Hubby” to refer to a woman’s husband. I don’t know why, but that sounds so stupid to me.

The phrase “Lifting a person/ thing/situation up in prayer.” I find this phrase so annoying because it reeks of pseudo-pious nonsense. It’s not a real Bible phrase, but rather is brought to us from the annals of evangelical twaddle. It should be returned to the drivel heap with other inane phrases like “Preach the Man, not the Plan” and “The Holy Spirit laid it on my heart.”


“BFF,” and actually most other “texting” abbreviations. I don’t mind all the texting abbreviations that much, as long as they are found actually in texts. However, when you use them in your facebook status or in an email makes you look ignorant.

“Lady Gaga.” Everything about her is ridiculous, and I have no idea why she’s famous! Incidentally, I feel exactly the same way about the Kardashians. Since when do people become famous for simply acting like monumentally colossal morons?

Sarah Palin’s accent. I love the woman’s politics. I read her first book and really enjoyed it. Yet, her accent and all those references to “mama grizzlies” walks all over my last nerve! I might vote for her for president, but I wish if she won someone else could give her speeches.

Comedians that are famous, but not funny at all. These would include such gems as Jimmy Fallon, Kathy Griffin, and Dane Cook. I have no idea why these people have any presence on television and in movies.

The Nationwide Insurance commercials with the goofy guy saying things like “Nationpam is on your…” Whatever, I always change the channel.

The term “Preggo” in reference to a pregnant person. They’re having a baby, not turning into spaghetti sauce!



People who wait till the last second to merge when a lane ends. This was never a huge issue to me until I moved to Houston (there’s not a lot of traffic in the panhandle of Texas). You’ve seen these inconsiderate derelicts that saw the “lane ends in 1000 feet” sign, but rather than merging, they choose to bypass those who followed the sign and then force their way into the moving lane. Listen, you ignoramus, you are the reason the traffic is backed up! If you would merge when the sign says “merge” the world would be a better place for everyone!

I really could go on as I’m generally a cynical complainer. However,I’ll allow you to chew on these for a little while.

Everything I Ever Needed To Know, I learned in a Greasy Spoon

The Cowboy Poet Darin Brookman penned these words: 

The Coffee Shop Cabinet

They all meet each day at the coffee shop
Or at their local cotton gin
To discuss the whole world's affairs and why,
We’re in the shape that we’re in.

A dirty hat’s the only requirement
If you think you wish to convene,
At this high level summit meetin’ of these
Political analyst in jeans.

Be forwarned the debates can grow heated
And They’ll digress to callin’ names.
Till the chairman wisely calls a recess
To discuss the last home ball game.

Their agenda will vary widely from
The price of wheat to acid rain.
There’ll be two experts on ever’ subject
To explain what needs to be changed.

Whether it’s U.S. Foreign Policy,
The trade imbalance, or inflation.
Each one will have a sure fire remedy
For the ills that plague our nation.

I’ve wonderd why our learned congressmen
Will spend millions every day.
Trying to find ways around the obstacles
That spring up in our countries way.

When they could just use a little slack time,
Go hunt one of these meetings up.
And easily find the answer they seek
For the small price of one hot cup.
(Brookman, Darin, “Those Who Came Before and Other Poems,” Darin Brookman, 1993, Hollis Oklahoma)

The words contained in the poem brought back memories of my younger days in the Texas Panhandle.


The Saturday mornings of my youth were spent mostly at a local greasy spoon diner called The Black Gold Restaurant. I grew up in the middle of the oil patch that was found in western Oklahoma and the eastern panhandle of Texas. Thus the name “Black Gold” came from the rich oil culture (if you can call it rich) in the area. The problem was, during the 1980’s the oilfield in that area went bust, and a lot of folks were left without work. My dad was one of those unfortunate souls. He eventually found employment with the school district as a maintenance worker. My mother, in my pre-adolescent years, worked as a school cafeteria lady. She later would take a job with the state at the prison when I was in middle school. I say all of that to make this point. I grew up in a traditionally “Blue-Collar” household. We didn’t jet-set all over the globe in search of a good time or bounce from place to place in search of the next big thing. We lived a simple life. We held to traditional values: God, family, hard work, and honesty. It was largely from these things that we derived our greatest pleasure.

One of those “pleasures” was the time spent in that little greasy spoon. It was the kind of place that was filled with smoke, and had blue plate specials. A couple of nights a week, a local musician would set up and play for tips. Places like that have their own traditions, and this place was no different. It was the picture of every other small town diner in every other small town in rural America.
The restaurant itself was associated with a small home-owned, and somewhat rundown motel. You know the kind; single story and reeking of curry. It offered cheap rooms, and resided in a once booming, now dilapidating area of town.

The restaurant however, was somewhat different. Though the physical structure was owned by the motel property owners, it was leased to the restauranter. It derived most of its business not from hotel patrons, but from the regulars that frequented the establishment for big breakfasts, greasy cheeseburgers, or just a cup of coffee and some lively discussion.



The place was set up diner style, and when you walked in, there were two prominent tables that naturally caught your eye. The first was peopled by farmers, retired guys, and widowers. They were there basically every day, and spent much of the day there discussing current events, politics, conspiracy theories, grain prices, and the general inanity of life.

The other was filled with school maintenance workers like Jerry and my dad. There were others who were employed at local oilfield contractors, and other blue-collar capacities.  There was Sam and his wife Jody. I never really was sure what Sam did for a living, but Jody was a nurse at the hospital. There was C.R. and Agnes, he had worked his entire life at a local service station, and served as a deacon in one of the more conservative Baptist churches in Town. This table was what the regulars termed “The Table of Knowledge.” Jerry was the jokester of that table, and gave it its name. The conversation was usually light-hearted and filled with puns, quips, and wisecracks. Time would be spent making up fictitious events such as the annual “HogFest,” complete with a pig-chip throwing contest, a pig-nic on the ground, and the bestowing of the coveted title of “Hog Queen.” There were discussions of big dreams, high hopes, and reminiscing about old times. They would recall humorous stories or past events that happened and would usually bring a bout of rousing laughter from the table.

As restaurants go, it was no 5 star, suit and tie kind of place. It was locally owned, the food was greasy, cheap, and piled on the plate. The coffee was sometimes stronger than you might want, but it was always fresh. And the conversations were always lively. I recall with fondness those times!

A few years ago, the Black Gold restaurant closed its doors. The owner rented another building, changed the name, and conducts a similar business. For me though, it’s not the same. I don’t know what it is, but something is missing somehow. Maybe the wornout carpet, or the rips in the booth seats, maybe the set up of the place, or maybe there was something special about that old cinderblock building in the southward moving side of town. I can't really say as I know. A place like that just has a lingering presence and it leaves an imprint on you.

You know, there are places like that in little towns all over. Places where friends meet to eat a great hamburger and have a cup of coffee, while sharing joyous memories. Restaurants offering a table where widowers come to convene with those of like mind, or sometimes enter into great disagreement. Places where the life-educated minds meet to discuss the problems of the world and offer their solutions and thoughts on everything from current events to the moon landing. Yet in all of those places, among the regular faces and the coffee stained cups, there’s a sort of fellowship, a sense of belonging. It is all held together by the thick smoke, florescent lighting, and constantly brewing pot of coffee.