"MANSPLAINING"

Following one of our Grief Seminars this year a sweet sister wrote me a note about her hesitancy in attending the seminar. She said something about being skeptical of a “man” explaining widowhood. Then she used a term that I wasn’t familiar with until now. She said that the term “mansplaining” came to mind.  

I looked it up, and, it’s a real word. According to the Oxford Dictionary, mansplainig is “the explanation of something by a man, typically to a woman, in a manner regarded as condescending or patronizing.” OUCH. Thankfully she went on to say that she was glad she attended, and it wasn’t what she was afraid it would be. 

But that word hit me hard. Is that what we do when it comes to the teaching of Scripture? Do we give our own explanations as if they are as valid as what God says? 

Do we do that when it comes to our trials, tribulations, temptations, and tests? When we struggle, do we turn to the solutions of man rather than turning to the Word of God? 

Preaching brothers, when we feel like we’ve been let down, beaten up, battered, and bruised where do we go? If we think we can figure it all out on our own, we will be miserable failures. 

But if we listen to God, we will find rest for our troubled souls, balm for our hurting hearts, and answers to life’s most challenging questions. 

“Cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.”  

“Come unto me all you who weary and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.”  

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your steps.”