By Brenda Cannon Henley
I wrote recently about some of the budgeting lessons I learned from my precious Mama Cole while I lived in her home from the time of my birth until my biological mother remarried and moved me to the Atlanta area of Georgia. Mama Cole did not believe in owing anyone and was adamant that if we could not pay cash for it, we could not have it. I realize that times have changed and that we often purchase a home, property, or perhaps a new automobile with a payment plan. These were much more simple days. My grandfather was a firm believer in this philosophy as well and I clearly remember him walking over to a new home under construction that my Mama Cole had her eye on, and reaching into the deep pocket of his work overalls and pulling out 65 crisp $100 bills to pay for the house in full, but that is another story.

An incident happened this week that brought these thoughts to the forefront of my mind. I posted a funny quote and photo on Facebook about me being so mean I might start biting people and my pastor Dennis Allen read it. He quickly wrote back, “Amen, Sister.” And I laughed. He knows me well and we have worked together on many projects. I thought nothing more of it and several reposted the link just for fun. The following morning when I woke up, I had a sincere email from my pastor that said something like, “I am so sorry. I read that quote in the midst of a busy, bad day, and I in no way meant to imply that I thought you were mean or angry enough to begin to bite people.” I assured him that I took no offense to his “Amen, Sister,” and that if anyone knew me well enough to think I might bite people, it would be him.

However, in my pastor’s actions, I was reminded of my Mama Cole’s philosophy once again. “Keep short accounts, Brenda, with God and man.” My pastor wanted to correct any perceived wrong immediately, and I admire that in a person. He did not want any moss to grow under that rock, or any tumbleweeds to blow and gather over those words, like they often do in windy Amarillo.

I have long ago found that if we attempt to correct a wrong or misspoken word, action, or even thought, as soon as we recognize it, we are much more apt to be able to leave with a clean slate. The longer hurtful words or actions simmer along, the more trouble they cause. One person tells another and often the old sinful imagination kicks in to add some more juicy details. The person might not intentionally mean to lie, but in the exaggeration of the event, it becomes more interesting and hearers might begin to think how intelligent the speaker is, or how helpful he or she can be about the matter. In the majority of instances, we find the reaction to this type of behavior to be far worse than the original deed.

Stories have been told that caused undue hardships, broken relationships, families torn asunder, and hearts crushed. If only the people involved had vowed to keep short accounts. Perhaps I am braver than some, or maybe I have just lived longer now, but I have adopted a policy of stopping in my tracks when I hear an untruth, an accusation against another, or myself or a downright lie. I will call or visit the person responsible and flat out ask them if they believed and/or said that particular thought. I am always amazed at how fast a filthy mouthed gossip can back pedal or roll back on what he or she has said. I will do my part to keep that account short.

The value of this matter is discussed in Romans 12. “As much as possible, live peacefully with all men,” is the ending of Verse 18, but the beginning of the same verse teaches, “If it be possible…” Some folks cannot live peacefully with others because they are not at peace with themselves or with God. Unlike some, I do not believe that the dear Lord wants Christians to be doormats for others, or that He admires loud, angry people walking over peers, nor do I believe that he wants His children to live unhappy lives.

I would be honored to think that many of our readers would vow with me to keep short accounts with God. Confess sin as soon as it is recognized and then turn from it to good works. And, to live peacefully with others, keep those accounts short that could cause division, hurt, and pain. Let’s clean up our acts as quickly as we realize that they are dirty.
[2-29-2016]

Brenda Cannon Henley can be reached at (409) 781-8788,
or at [email protected].