paradox

As I was browsing through various books in a shop one day, I came across many oxymoronic book titles. This little figure of speech - oxymoron - is also known as paradox. Many titles, reminded me of parts of our lives that speak self-contradicting words, with us living in opposition to self and others.

Take “The Kindest Lie” for example, or “Beautiful Lie” by Ifran Master. It brings to mind, having to hide the truth from someone by not saying anything or telling a “white lie” because it will hurt them too much. Or what about “Open Secret” - isn’t that just gossip or talking behind someone’s back? I have had a thousand “Silent Screams” when I have to hold my tongue or am ready to explode with anger. I kept things inside and have also had to stand in the “Lonely Crowd” even being with hundreds of people but not knowing a soul. Of course, there’s the “Perfect Storm” or “Book of Heroic Failures”. I’ve had a few of both in my lifetime and those are just a few book titles.

Then there are the phrases and sentences that people will sometimes voice, such as “I think you clearly misunderstood me!” or Why don’t we “get some diet-ice-cream?” or “Why don’t you just act normal?” and a favorite, “I’m on a working vacation.” I do know that the “best cure for insomnia is getting lots of sleep” or as Samuel Goldwyn probably told his children if he had any, “if you fall and break your legs, don’t come running to me!” Even Winston Churchill believed, “a joke is a very serious thing!” and he “lived his life to the end.” Really?

“People have one thing in common. They are all different.” And I know that “the world is full of apathy, but I don’t care.” You see, “common sense is not so common”. Even though there are countless contradictory sayings, some people live their lives as that by saying one thing and meaning another. In the bible, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and bless those who curse us. “Do good to them that hate you and pray for them who despitefully use you and persecute you,” Mark 6: 27-28

In these days of thought bombardment, restrictions and restraints on freedoms, thought manipulation and indecision, we must “believe in free will. We have no choice” as Isaac B. Singer says. We continually struggle with what is truth, what is right, what is good. Paul experiences this throughout his ministry. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate...For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing" (Romans 7:15, 18b-19).

When the battle gets tough and we are caught in the crossroads and contradictions, let us remember that our only deliverance is through Jesus.

For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?”

— 1 John 5:4-5, ESV