From My Perspective - - -
It
is a certainty – everyone has had a Discombobulating Moment at some
point in life! It wasn’t planned for or anticipated – but it occurred
anyway. After it had occurred, there was the dissecting of the moment
or event to determine “Why?” that became the lingering experience. What
does it mean to be Discombobulated? The definition is: to be confused
or disconcerted; to be upset, frustrated or perplexed. The Synonyms are
several and amplify Discombobulation further: to be addled, baffled,
befuddled, bewildered, confounded, disturbed, flustered, mixed up,
puzzled, ruffled, thrown. Yes – at some point in fact and in life – all
have been Discombobulated.
How
does Discombobulated connect to Implosion? Implosion means – “a
bursting inward.” Many have seen an act of “implosion” when large
buildings of structures are being removed. In moments, that which had
been a useful and inhabited structure is reduced to dust and rubble.
The Medical Dictionary has an interesting application for Implosion. It
states that it is “A type of behavior therapy in which the patient is
repeatedly subjected to anxiety-arousing stimuli while the therapist
attempts to extinguish the patient's anxiety and anxious behavior -
replacing them with more appropriate responses - a bursting inward
rather than outward.” It is a restructuring of a personality and a
behavior.
If
one was given to being politically caustic, it could be suggested that
what has occurred in the United States in recent weeks and months is a
classic illustration of Discombobulation Implosion! Two years ago, it
seemed as though there was a type of Tsunami effect as people voted for
“Hope” and “Change”! It was packaged and presented well. One of the
great political lines was uttered by John Boehner when he said: “When
we had Ronald Reagan as President, we also had Bob Hope and Johnny
Cash. Now – we have no hope, and no cash!” The citizenry has always
been fickle (that is: “likely to change…due to irresolution or
instability …not constant or loyal in affection”). People were led to
believe they would get something for nothing to meet Health Care
issues. While some ideas were good and some corrections were needed,
the reality quickly became obvious – this change came with a high price
tag that will continue to increase. If in doubt, check health care
premiums, co-pay increases, higher deductibles, and lower
reimbursements. There also was the sudden awareness of Stimulus efforts
run amuck and Trillion Dollar Deficits becoming part of the normal
financial vocabulary.
Is
it any wonder there is an increase in Discombobulation Implosion? Is it
any wonder that discontentment, disarray and disconnection are
occurring? Is it any wonder so many are disillusioned because of those
elected to political office have yielded to deception and fostered
distrust? Humorists from the past commented on the State of the Nation
in their day. Mark Twain said: “Suppose you were an idiot and suppose
you were a member of Congress? But then, I repeat myself!” Will Rogers
stated: “We have the best Congress money can buy.” Also, “everything is
changing. People are taking the Comedians seriously and the Politicians
as a joke.” And, “I don’t make jokes. I just watch the Government and
report the facts.”
The
Psalmist David made interesting observations regarding the changing
times and the Discombobulating Implosions of his day. In Psalm
108:11-13 he prayed, inquired and implored: “Is it not you, O God, you
who have rejected us and no longer go out with our armies? Give us aid
against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will
gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.” The Message
Translation expresses some of the phrases as: “You aren't giving up on
us, are you, God? refusing to go out with our troops? Give us
help for the hard task; human help is worthless…” No! God is not going
to abandon His people. They may have to pass through difficult times
and insurmountable challenges – but – He is always The Shepherd Who
leads, guides and cares for His sheep. Don’t let Discombobulating
Implosions tare you down. Turn to Him and Trust in Him so that you can
face today and all of your tomorrows saying - “because the Lord the
Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything that I need.” Consider these
things with me!