It’s Alright?

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In the 1960s, Bob Dylan songs were a joy to would be guitarists – easy chords, easy rhythms… I learnt ‘Blowing in the Wind’, ‘Mr Tambourine Man’…

…And ‘Don’t Think Twice It’s Alright’… a song about accepting life when things go wrong, because everything will work out OK in the end.

Such optimism was reflected by Christians I knew who would quote St Paul’s words, ‘All things work together for good…’ God’s in charge. It will all be alright.

This approach to life is often reflected in TV dramas: Someone’s in hospital on life-support, a teenager’s taking drugs, the husband’s run off with the neighbour… Some well-meaning, character says, ‘Don’t worry – it will be alright.’

However,

…Life experiences say that it isn’t always alright. Bad things happen to good people. ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ isn’t always possible. ‘Don’t worry, be happy’ can sound more like mockery than encouragement.

…Thinking of folks I’ve known, recent conversations …the longed-for baby that’s stillborn …unreconciled broken family relationships …the untimely bereavement …long, lingering illnesses …elderly relatives in uncaring care-homes.

…This morning reading ‘Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.’ remembering James’ words: ‘What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.’ It’s not always alright

My GREAT response to the ‘not alright’:

Gratitude – Continuing to be grateful for the good things I have, rather than being disappointed about good things I don’t have

Realism – Accepting the mistakes and regrets of the past that I can’t change; recognising present situations over which I have no control.

Empathy – Cultivating a deeper awareness of those going through tough stuff; reaching out to them – seeking to understand their pain.

Appreciation – Appreciating friends, family, nature, health… as the old hymn says, ‘Count your blessings, name them one by one.’

Trust – Continuing to learn to and live out, ‘Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding…’

23 thoughts on “It’s Alright?”

  1. I love your acrostic, Malcolm. And I agree that a realistic approach is needed. Ultimately, if we follow Christ, everything’s gonna be alright, but there will be many ups and downs along our life’s journey.

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  2. I agree that is a wonderful acrostic. If I could suggest, sometimes the R for realism could also be the R for repentance. I have found that turning around is always the best way to go when I’m traveling in the wrong direction.

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      1. Right… I like the way my friends who’ve done the AA 12 step programme talk about turning their life and will over to the higher power… as part of the repentance process.

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    2. Thanks, Pete. Good idea. I played with various ideas… If we went with R for ‘repentance’ I think I would change the A to ‘acceptance’. I’d certainly be happy to present that to friends in Christian context. The question I then ask myself is how would I present it to my friends who aren’t Christians? Would it be the same?

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      1. I have a list of my needed improvements right by me, Malcolm. I love how the wisdom of all of you help shift my perspectives and help me see things in new ways!

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  7. I try to find a balance between the hills and the valleys, though there are times when standing strong in faith in the midst of them can be challenging. On those occasions, I remind myself that God is with me and this is where He intended for me to be.

    Thank you for the post and for visiting Pastore Praise.
    It’s been a pleasure to visit your blog.

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