I listened to the claim and felt a deep sigh building within me. From a combination of insights from behind the scenes, experience, and the trusted testimony of others heard firsthand, I was certain the claim was not true. What baffled me was the paradox which emerged with lots of publicly available data on one side and the claim on the other. Others should be able to see what was obvious to me.
Ironically, this paradox exists in many forms across my life and others as well. Outlandish statements, inflated claims, and representations are used to pull one into a choice. There is so much noise, that validated claims of any size are often lost in the noise and confusion.
Life reminds me of the following wisdom points.
Use the experience and insights from trusted friends as a starting point. This is not outsourcing one’s responsibility. It is taking advantage of the lessons infused in the lives of trusted friends. When I use these as starting points, I often rediscover the core values in our friendship and, in doing so, experience a growth in the trust between us.
One’s first reaction to the bravado of others is often accurate. This is especially true when I am taking care of my heart and mind. The exercises which nurture my soul also sharpen and align my senses. The result is an immunity shield as well as strengthened resolve to respond in a disciplined manner.
When one has taken the measure and validated the claim, it opens a door to seemingly impossible opportunities. I look back on the psalmist’s prayer and I see one connecting and leveraging his belief in Divinity; “In your great love, vanquish my enemies; make a clean sweep of those who harass me. And why? Because I’m your servant.” (Psalm 143.12).
Claims are a part of life, implied or stated in every relationship. I think of false claims which I avoided with the help of those close to my heart. I also revel in the claims which have enriched relationships, opening the door to more.
