Black & White

I love black and white conversations.  There is something fresh, vibrant, and freeing when you hear and see a verbal and physical response to a question that is clear, concise, and blunt.  Far too often I find myself folding in with masses, politically and corporately correct.  Boring!  Give me the other type of conversation any day, even if you disagree.  In my life the one person that resonates black and white is Carli.  She is clear, probably too clear.  She is blunt, maybe a little too direct.  She is articulate, perhaps a little too accurate in her description and view.  Whatever you think, with her there is a conversation!
 
In contrast I wonder off to the city perpetually wondering if I understand the words I hear.  Questions need to be asked; often trying to pin a person to a position with meaning.  Statements need to be challenged; nothing is quite as it appears.  Little can be accepted at face value; silence is rarely a sign of agreement.  As I look back on recent history I find precious little that is in black and white.  Everything appears to be shades of gray or colors that change depending on the light in which they have been seen.
 
Jesus was known in his day for blunt conversations.  Even as he reached out in love and relationship he was extremely candid and frank in his assessment of their motives.  “I know you are Abraham's descendants.  But I also know that you are trying to kill me because my message hasn't yet penetrated your thick skulls.”  (John 8.37) 
 
When I look in the mirror I find two people.  I find Carli’s dad, crisp, blunt, and openly candid while I also find someone I not sure I would willingly admit knowing.  The latter is slick, smooth, and extremely conversant in gray.  I would love a full day, even more, of crisp black and white; especially the black and white reflecting the value and priorities I long to share with God – Black and white love, mercy, and compassion for all.