Matthew 5:37 "But let your statement be, 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no'; anything beyond these is of evil."
It seems so simple. The first words we learn as children are yes and no. Actually, we really just learn no. But anyhow, why can't adults use such elementary words? Very rarely does anyone answer a question absolutely. There is always an explanation or condition along with the answer leaving room for interpretation and/or confusion. People don't commit to things anymore. If you don't say yes or no, there is room to get out of the deal. For example, I am depending on an aide so that I can use the bathroom or eat. The aide doesn't arrive so I call. I ask, "Are you coming?" So simple, right? In reply, I get, "I'm running late because...." or "I'm waiting for my ride......" or some other answer constructed around some other condition. Then of course the aide doesn't show up based on whatever was the condition and the aide doesn't feel guilty because it wasn't their fault. Wrong! If you're not coming, say so! In addition, in our relationships most people fail to clearly communicate. When you ask things like "Is something wrong?" or "Did I do something to upset you?" People will do whatever they can to avoid a confrontation or conflict. They say, "No" or "It's not you." What they fail to realize is that by lying or shielding the truth, they are creating a conflict. When you don't clearly communicate what you think or feel, the blame is on you. The other person is not aware of your true feelings, so how can you expect them to change? You can't. You then harbor anger and bitterness and eventually you blow up. The other person is left clueless, confused, and hurt. Say what you mean and mean what you say. Then, we make up excuses for their dishonesty and hurtful behavior because of bad relationships in their past or how their parents raised them. I was watching a clip of "Madea" and "she" was quoting Maya Angelou. "If someone shows you who they really are, Believe them." or as Madea put it, "If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck...AFLAC!!!" Don't be deceived.
