A CONTROVERSIAL POST
It was pretend… All I had to do was pay a hundred bucks as I recall to play the pretend game. I remember thinking it was one of the best deals I could imagine at the time. Talk about stress relief! That’s what it was for me, but that pretend game brought others just the opposite emotion. They were facing their fears. They didn’t look forward to the pretend game, not one bit.
I was a tad late to the event and forgot my grappling gloves. As I was trying to get my buddy’s attention to borrow his, I brought too much attention to myself, which worked out for everybody… The other fifteen or so people who included a couple of girls or ladies were relieved when the Red Man started yelling at me. I’d be the first to play the pretend game…
“You think you’re bad?” The bright and fully padded Red Man with the metal cage over his face yelled. “Bad enough,” I answered, not able to control my smile and relishing the pretend game. The Red Man stepped toward me, “I think maybe I oughta’ kick your _ SS!” He yelled.
The design of the Red Man was to test a person’s skills in a mock real life setting. I’ve been in enough real life scenarios like that, it wasn’t real for me. I knew I wasn’t going to get my nose broken (again), but I also know from experience that this is a dangerous life and the unexpected sometimes happens in life. I was going to get to hit someone who was within my comfortable space, even if he was in pads and a cage, as hard as I could and no one was going to get hurt.
This is a controversial subject for Christians and I’m not advocating violence. I do however believe it is our job to take care of and defend our families. I think turning the other cheek as described in Matthew is about ignoring an insult. In fact, the entire Beatitudes is about a matters of the heart, not the physical following of rules.
We also know what Paul wrote about a man who doesn’t take care of his family in 1 Timothy. I’ve heard and read much debate about the swords referred to in Luke 22. The actual translation is “knife” if my memory serves me, but the point people argue in defense of not being able to protect ourselves is varied. Some say that it’s the “sword of the spirit.”
What seems obvious to me is that Jesus Christ who has all authority on earth and in heaven to defend Himself hung around with His disciples who were armed. He never rebuked them for being ready to defend themselves or family. He rebuked Peter when it was His time to be handed up. The fact that His disciples were armed speaks volumes.
Having a heart for God and grasping the rules that start from within us in Him doesn’t mean we are to stand by and watch young people or our families be abused or killed. When Christ appointed John to watch over His earthly mother, the implication was basic protection as well.
I know this will bring different opinions, it’s a controversial post, but this is mine. I’d appreciate and respect yours as well; we all might be enlightened in the process, but it doesn’t do any good to ignore a divisive subject.
It was all smiles and jokes that day while the Red Man played his game of pretend until he said something like, “I got McKenzie out in the car! Now I want the money!” The owner still tells stories of how my smile melted from the pretend game into the reality of someone harming my daughter or loved one… Hearing her name changed the game for me…
A few more seconds and I might have been able to crush that metal cage with my elbow strikes while the Red Man’s helmet was pinned to the ground. They didn’t give me anymore turns after that… I’m not very good at pretend…
What would you do if someone was harming your loved one?
Dan Black
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 12:09 am
Some times you just have to fight! I would start with my persuasion/communication/conflict resolution skills and if that did not work I would do what I could to protect my love one(Kicking the persons hind end).
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 6:53 am
How did I know that about you, Dan?! I know you have a great heart, but that heart is made by God to protect what is His. Thanks for the input, Dan. Remind me not to look at you with crossed eyes either!
Dan Black
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 10:41 am
🙂 Your welcome.
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 4:18 am
I had this sneaking suspicion that somewhere along the line it would no longer be a game to you. I was right. I, too, would defend my family. Whether it be from physical harm or from mental/emotional harm, the protective instinct in me kicks in. I don’t own a gun (never have) but if I felt harm would come, I would go out and get one. i would defend them and probably die trying to.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 6:57 am
Thanks, Bill. You are a man after God’s own heart. I know you’d give your life in defense of your loved ones. That attitude is the walk softly and carry a big stick one. God born in us to protect and care for our families in all ways. It is an honor to be assigned that job by God. When our loved ones know that fact it gives them fulfillment in the way God designed them to I think. By the way, Bill. Your response didn’t surprise me either!
April
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 7:00 am
I’m all for peace and talking out what you can, but you bring my safety or especially my family’s safety into the mix and let’s just say the gloves are off and I’m going for the throat. I don’t take that lightly and I believe that God gives us resources to defend and protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 5:23 pm
Well said, Texas Girl! “The gloves are off.” I like that! Somehow I knew that about you, April! I guess it wouldn’t take a rocket scientist though would it? Thanks for the heartfelt input. I love it!
tcavey
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 8:15 am
This isn’t controversial to me at all. You have to protect yourself and your loved ones. I like the point you made about Jesus hanging around with armed friends. I’d never really thought of it before.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 5:26 pm
Thanks, TC. I studied many of those verses because of all the controversy that I was hearing about it. Can you imagine what Jesus must have looked like as a carpenter by trade and how that would have attracted mostly fisherman? Of course it wouldn’t matter much being God and all! My guess is that it was rather humble.
Pat Bowling
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 10:38 am
I can’t begin to tell you all the wonderful ways God has worked in my life. He brought me out of darkness and into His glorious light; lifted me out of the pit and placed my feet on solid ground; saved me from eternal damnation; the list goes on and on…
As much as I love Him and as grateful as I am, I do worry about myself regarding this issue. I have heard the testimonies of others who have been able to forgive the ones who have raped, tortured, even murdered their loved ones. I wish I could tell you that you could count me among them, but I’m afraid I cannot say that as I write this.
At this point, I am more afraid for the person who would come against one of my babies than I am for myself.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 5:31 pm
I hear you, Pat. I’m with you as well obviously. My thoughts are to be able to use whatever common sense means that God provides to keep that from happening. I’m also aware that prayer is much stronger than any weapon on earth. Before my older girls went to college I trained them and had additional training done to prepare them for the unexpected. God born us with that burning desire to care for our loved ones and I think that one of the last things He saw to was the earthly mother of Jesus. Even though He didn’t need anyone to do any of His bidding, it is a privileged position to care for our loved ones. You’re preaching to the choir here, sister! Thanks, Pat.
Hazel Moon
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 1:07 pm
I gave my brother a bloody nose when my dad decided that brother needed to learn to fight. That was the last fighting I did physically. We must prepare our hearts for our battle today is not with flesh and blood but with the spirit of darkness. It is wise to stock our shelves with non perishable goods, but none of that dried food that some are stocking up with. It tastes awful. Good Post Floyd
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 5:33 pm
Thanks, Hazel. Why doesn’t it surprise me that you gave your brother a bloody nose? You’ve always been a firecracker! But one with a heart of pure gold…
Hazel Moon
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 6:37 pm
🙂
Floyd
Wednesday, November 21, 2012 @ 12:22 pm
I knew that would bring a smile!
Jay Cookingham
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 1:21 pm
I soooooo want you in the fight with me! 😉
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 5:35 pm
I’m there, brother! You call me, I’m there! That’s what family is for!
I’m always astounded that you never cease to bring emotion out of me, Jay. If it isn’t a smile or a laugh, it’s a tear…
Jason Stasyszen
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 5:06 pm
I agree with you. There would seem to be a distinction between turning the other cheek and an immediate violent threat on your family. God wired us for protection and He is our Protector as well. It’s not about being macho, but standing in the place God gave us. Interesting to think about, Floyd. Good stuff.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 5:39 pm
Thanks, Jason. “Standing in the place God gave us.” Very well said. It made me think of the call of God to “Gird our loins.” He calls us to stand in the place that isn’t always pleasant, but the place we end up sometimes. With the heart of God we march toward His call regardless of where it leads us.
Ngina Otiende
Wednesday, November 14, 2012 @ 7:04 pm
Floyd, in Africa, there’d be zero controversy in this topic. Infact, your comments section would probably be filled with descriptions, examples and the “how to’s” of “Family Protection”. (All from God-loving, saved, sanctified men and women of God. 🙂 ) I know there’s balance and all but it would be un-brave (okay cowardly) not to stand up for family and loved one. Now that said, i really prefer my husband (and previously dad and brothers) to ‘stand up’ for me and others in this way. I got enough bruising and tatters trying to ‘stand’ up for myself..lol. Love your thoughts, as always!
Floyd
Thursday, November 15, 2012 @ 7:04 am
Thanks, Ngina. You always seem to have the perfect wisdom and outlook on things. Serious wisdom from God. And the way you deliver it with humor and humility is comforting. Great words, my friend. Thanks for sharing your perspective. It’s awesome.
Diane
Thursday, November 15, 2012 @ 3:43 am
I absolutely believe in defending yourself or family against violence. I would have been a mother bear if there was a threat to my child. Hazel is also correct, everything is a spiritual battle – that’s where the Name of Jesus comes in. Use the Name of Jesus because everyting must bow it’s knee to that Name.
Many years ago, my neighbor’s teenage son got involved in Dungeons and Dragons. It was a course offered at the high school. Jason, who towered over his mother size wise, picked up a large kitchen knife and went to stab his mother. She screamed, “In the Name of Jesus drop the knife!” He did and ran out the door.
Thanks for the story, Floyd and the chance to share that amazing testimony! Glory to God!
Floyd
Thursday, November 15, 2012 @ 7:06 am
Wow! That’s a great testimony, Diane! I absolutely agree with that. That name is more than a word He is The Word and all things are below the One who owns this cosmos. Thanks for sharing, Diane. Amazing story and point.
Betty Draper
Thursday, November 15, 2012 @ 8:30 pm
My husband and I have been in some pretty dangerous sitaution before and have been thankful for the training we have had to protect ourselves. Like all above me I would fight with what ever I had available to protect my family, no questions ask. But I have known the power of God to rise up and protect me when I did not even know I was in danger. Good post brother. I am glad you are on our side. Blessings
Floyd
Thursday, November 15, 2012 @ 8:53 pm
Thanks, Betty. I’m certain that what you’ve witnessed in your life is far beyond what mere human hands could do. Our Father is omnipotent, we are, well just flesh. It is our faith and wisdom that grasp His unfathomable power. I’m honored to be on your side, my friend.
Nancy
Sunday, November 18, 2012 @ 9:33 pm
It IS all about being prepared. Both spiritually and physically. I am not as prepared as I’d like. Not enough range practice and now a damage thumb has changed the way I grasp and shoot. Not good.
If I could carry, I definitely would…. I have a special K-BAR that’s bent just so…just so no one could take it away from me..Ha ha ha ! When I walk the levee, I wear it. Randy usually his his in a long pocket.
I’m not paranoid, but we do lock out home and cars. It just makes sense.
Bet the Red Man hadn’t expected the game to get real? I also bet that lots of people ( Christians included) didn’t expect Sandy to kick their butts. We have to stay ready – in more ways than one! Thanks for a great post!
Floyd
Monday, November 19, 2012 @ 5:54 pm
Why am I not surprised, Nancy! In AZ we have concealed weapons permits. You’d fit right in with us down here! We do indeed need to be ready and willing to use our God given wisdom and all attributes to care for His children. Not paranoid, just prepared…