From Saved to “Savage”

Ok, listen. So, I was on Facebook recently and I stumbled across this meme. It’a a picture of the talented Laurence Fishburne in his iconic role as “Ike Turner” in the movie, What’s Love Got to Do With it. (See pic below)

Now most people understand the significance of this picture but if you weren’t “fortunate” enough to have seen this movie in your upbringing, let me give you a brief (and I do mean brief) history lesson.

So, the movie, “What’s Love Got to Do With It” is the reenactment of the relationship between, soulful singer, Tina Turner and her then husband, Ike Turner. Though we received great music from the talented duo,  the real life relationship was TOXIC, and Ike struggled severely with drug abuse and domestic violence.

I by no means condone domestic violence nor find it funny, however, every now and then you have to laugh at the pettiness of the, “innanets.”

Anyways, the meme reads, “When you do the Christian thing & walk away but they yell, “That’s what I thought!” 

Listen, I. Was. Weak!! …I shared the meme to my own timeline and captioned, “From, “Saved” to “Savage”, real quick!” 

I mean, it was so befitting. People will really try you. So essentially, what was just something funny to share became a, “Hey, that’s real life. You wanna write about it?” …and I knew then, it was my time! … (Mama I made it!)

Now listen, those who know me know I love the Lord. I grew up in the church my entire life.

Howwwwever, occasionally I’ll forget my home training and the rest is a whirlwind. Thus, taking me from “saved to savage” in a matter of seconds. 

My weapon of choice you ask?……..My mouth. It’s the sharpest most dangerous weapon I own and I’m not proud of it. 

I’ve definitely lost friendships and completely severed relationships because of it.

The most disgusting part was that I used to think it was okay and I expected people to forgive and love me in spite of. How toxic of me? Yuck!

Eventually life got a hold of me, broke me all the way down on more than one occasion and in my desperation for healing and answers I ironically found my way back to God and His word.

So, in my last-ditch effort to be a “new me,” and repair relationships I came across some gems that blessed my life. You see, even though I knew God, I needed to know and understand His Word, not just read it.

Gem #1: Eph 4:29

(29) Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.

So, here’s the thing, when you choose to use your words as a weapon to hurt, humiliate, and discourage people you plant seeds in the spirit that can sprout into actual personality traits. Life and death are in the power of the tongue; therefore, you have to speak and act like Christ did. Allow the words that flow from your mouth to encourage and restore those that stand before you.

Gem #2: Eph 4:26-27 NLT Version:

(26) And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, (27) for anger gives a foothold to the devil.

Understand, when we allow anger to simmer in our spirit, we go against everything the word of God has spoken over our lives. Can’t go against the Word and still expect to be blessed.

You see, as hard as it is to turn the other cheek, and there’s a scripture for that too, (Matt. 5:39), it’s so necessary.

Do what is good and honorable. That’s what’s expected of us. Our battles are never really our own anyways. Even the Bible says, “Revenge is mine thus says the Lord.” (Romans 12:9)

Gem #3: Romans 12:17-19

(17)Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. (18) Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.(19) Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the scripture say, “I will take revenge: I will pay them back,” says the Lord.

I mean, isn’t He almighty? All powerful? So, who better than God to fight our battles and bless us due to our obedience, right?

The way I look at it, it takes way more energy to react, retaliate, be angry, be bitter, be resentful, be rageful, etc. That’s exhausting. Give it to God and be dismissed honeyyy!

So, though we can laugh at a good meme, understand it’s a lesson and a blessing in even the simplest forms.

…and, if nothing else remember this:

“Never argue with a fool because a person from a distance can’t tell who’s who.” 

Don’t get caught slipping, ya’ll. Just walk away.

 

Yours truly signing off,

A.Huntley