Brian Griswold

10/18/2023

Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture. The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones.
But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said."
We are at our best when we serve others. Be civilized.
- Ira Byock.

12/13/2022

Vulnerability drives connection says Berne Brown, Bob gives us an example of how.

Those who haven’t watched you sow in tears may not celebrate when you reap in joy.

Your sowing is done in secret but your reaping is hard to hide. Those who haven’t walked with you in tears won’t understand when you live in joy.

Don’t let that offend you and don’t let it keep you from offering thanks to God for his goodness.

Suffering is done in silence while celebrating is seen by all. If someone hasn’t suffered with you, they may not celebrate with you either.

Mourn with those who mourn, rejoice with those who rejoice. Perhaps when you need someone to come along side of your season they will be there for you too.

God who sees in secret rewards openly.