The other day I got some criticism on another social media website I belong to. I posted the above advert. It is for one of my books entitled Laugh N Pray. As you can see from the advert it is a collection of various articles which have appeared here on this Blog. Some articles are humourous in nature and hopefully bring, (or have brought), a smile to my readers' face; (I know they make me laugh). And other articles are serious and cover several Christian topics which we all must have thought about at one point or another.
The book is a selection of both types. Like a chocolate variety box. You can choose milk chocolate, or plain high cocoa content chocolate.
So what was the criticism. Or reprimand, for that is what it was.
This person felt that prayers are a serious subject and it was wrong, (sinful), of me to write a book with jokes in it thus demeaning, or belittling, the whole sanctity of prayer.
Well ... maybe he has a point or maybe not. It was certainly not my intention to be disrespectful or insulting in any way towards prayers or Christianity. All the guy had to do is read the advert carefully. It clearly says in the last paragraph my intentions regarding Christianity.
I believe, as Christians, we have an obligation to proclaim the Good News to one and all. Whether they listen or not is their business.
I have discovered from careful study of the statistics that a lot of people visit this Blog for the humourous articles. Hopefully, once here, they may well read one or more of the Christian posts too. We never know who is visiting and not leaving a comment. The stats show that about 70% of visitors are first time (new) visitors.
That's why there are so many humourous stories here. That's why there are humourous stories in Laugh N Pray.
Obviously my critic did not agree. Which goes to show you can't please everyone.
Reminds me of the time when my wife bought me two ties for my birthday. We were going out to celebrate. So I wore one of the ties.
As soon as she saw me she said, "what's wrong with the other one?" (Joke ... honest it is ... joke ... not serious!)
...a tie, I haven't worn one in years!
ReplyDeleteTwo ties.
DeleteGod bless.
I believe that if God didn't have a sense of humor, we wouldn't either. This book was truly an enjoyable one for me.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Victor!
Thank you so much for buying it, Martha. I didn't know. Yes, I agree, (and hope), that God has a sense of humour; otherwise I am in a lot of trouble!
DeleteGod bless always.
Everyone's a critic. All the same, that's disappointing. Like Martha, I enjoyed your book -- and passed it on to our church's library. BTW, one of our corporate trainers once said any lesson that's imparted with humor is more likely to be retained. Write on!
ReplyDeleteThank you also for buying this book, Mevely. I find that humour keeps me going somehow. Perhaps it helps me to focus when things aren't going that well. Life can so often be serious and unhappy. I certainly hope someone somewhere learns something from my writings.
DeleteGod bless you, Mevely.
There is a song about decisions and humor. Criticisms are the same: Gotta know when to hold 'em, Know when to fold 'em, know when to run away!
ReplyDeleteWE must consider other's situations and attitudes, Everyone is doing their best to do right, I just need to try harder. LOL Mama used to talk about water on a Duck's back....
Sending the best of thoughts your way....
Sherry & jack. (LOL I don't have enough readers to criticize me)
You're very kind, Jack and Sherry. You're right, I should not let such criticism bother me. It's just the comment that he thought I was being disrespectful by including humour. I certainly love your Blog and have learnt a lot by visiting you.
DeleteGod bless you both.
You just can't please some people.
ReplyDeleteThat's why I wear two ties!
DeleteGod bless, Kathy.
Good to have a little of both.
ReplyDeleteThanx Bill. I'll keep trying.
DeleteGod bless.
God is a God of love and laughter, creativity and joy. As well as all the serious stuff.
ReplyDeleteI'm so grateful that He doesn't choose to live in any of our preconceived boxes.
Good point, Linda. It's great to see you visiting here again.
DeleteGod bless.
The variety of your posts stirs the pot. I laugh, think, and then come back.
ReplyDeleteIt's nice to see you back here again, Sue. Yes, I must admit I never know what I'm going to write about next. Ideas come from nowhere and have to be put into the computer quickly before I forget them. Rather difficult when I'm in the shower or hanging upside down from a hammock.
DeleteGod bless.
The Good Lord has a sense of humor. He had to, in order to create ostriches.
ReplyDeleteSome people are Sad Sack Christians, feeling like if they are having any fun or laughing or enjoying things, they aren't being spiritual enough. Sorry, i disagree, G-d created our sense of humor for a reason and wants us to use it, not for course jesting which is unbecoming, but for fun and joy and happiness while doing the work He put us here to do.
Yes I agree Mimi with what you say. I'm grateful for yours and other readers' support. That comment I received really felt I was out of order mixing humour and serious Christian articles in the same book.
DeleteGod bless.
I sure disagree with your critic. God certainly has a sense of humor and wants us to enjoy life. :). I agree with the comment above by messymimi. She said it all so well.
ReplyDeleteThanx Happyone. I too agree with Mimi and I'm grateful for everyone's support in this.
DeleteGod bless you.
Dearest Victor,
ReplyDeleteNo doubt the Lord has a huge dose of humor, how else would He handle this mixed up world with people?!
And just like Winston Churchill long time ago wrote: You have enemies (those that disagree or attack your writing style)? Good. That means you've stood for something sometime in your life.
Don't let those attackers throw you off; keep writing your (our) very important message!
Hugs,
Mariette
Thank you Mariette. I suppose I do have a writing style which, I hope, more people like than those who do not like it. I practice my writing style by reading what I write slowly and in a loud voice. Not many people appreciate that.
DeleteWe should all continue to proclaim our very important message.
God bless always.
Victor, don't EVER worry about that, those noise makers are like the change in your pocket - it makes noise but has no value. Those 'silent' bills add up!
DeleteVery wise words, Mariette.
DeleteGod bless.
💞
DeleteVictor, now have a good night sleep and dream about gifted ties! 🤗
ReplyDelete😀
ReplyDeleteGod bless, R.
DeleteI'm pretty sure that God has a sense of humor. People that find humor and religion to be disrespectful are probably very unhappy people. I suspect that God prefers his people to be happy.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts exactly, JoeH. I did not mean to be disrespectful with that book. It makes me laugh
Deleteanyway, when I read it. I've yet to finish reading it.
God bless.
I see nothing wrong with doing both. St. Phillip Neiri is supposed to have been a jokester. And Blessed Pier Georgio Frassati as well. There is nothing wrong with having both together. But you do have to make sure you don't cross a line on the joke. I don't know where that line is, and I don't know if you've ever crossed it but there is a line. Frankly your humor is pretty innocent. Dark humor would be bad. You're doing great Victor.
ReplyDeleteThanx Manny. I don't know whether I ever crossed the line; intentionally or otherwise.
DeleteNever heard of Phil Neiri and Georgio Frassati. Were they a double act on TV?
Oh Ho ... crossed the line!
God bless, Manny.
I don't see why prayers can't be funny. I'm sure God loves a good laugh as much as the rest of us.
ReplyDeleteThe book is a mix of Christian devotionals and humourous articles. It's a good read I find. It cheers me up.
DeleteGod bless, River.