There’s quite a distance between the small cities of Lexington and Paintsville. Both have been my home for the past few years. And while in the past I have criticized both cities, I admit that pointing fingers never really solves anything…
Back in high school, I graded my fellow classmate’s English papers. As a result, my English teacher taught me a valuable lesson in criticizing my classmate’s papers. For every criticism, there must be two points of praise. That’s what I am here to offer. For all the criticism that I have put Lexington and eastern Kentucky under, may I find twice as many positive points. May I encourage each region to continue what good they are doing.
So let’s start with my home of eastern Kentucky because it’s the easiest of the two to praise. I say it this way because eastern Kentucky has a tender heart. A heart made of flesh rather than of stone. This proves that eastern Kentucky has more than just good home cooking! The average individual in eastern Kentucky has incredible passion for the Lord. So much passion that if such was placed in a key strategy, then eastern Kentucky would be in a full-throttle revival. In fact, some may say eastern Kentucky is currently going through a revival because it has so much passion. If you look at the individual church, almost every person is a volunteer. Why? Because they believe in it. They put aside personal gain. Instead, they find joy in caring for others. And as 2 Corinthians 9:7 says, God loves a cheerful giver.
In addition, those who live in eastern Kentucky are known as sincere and welcoming. If there is a new member in church, we go to comfort and care for them. We make sure they feel as if they were home, in hopes that they do make this their home. I say sincerity because that’s what is needed in prayer. Not necessarily lengthy and sophisticated words, but rather words that are from the heart. A choice of words that you utter that God already knows about.
Now, let’s turn to Lexington. The city of Lexington has one great thing going: They know their bible. And, of course, they have to. There is a competition among churches in Lexington. And it’s believed if you don’t compete, then your salary dwindles. Forgive me, I told you that I would stop my finger pointing. This past year, I met five pastors who were kind-hearted despite this seduction battle between churches. And who proved me wrong in that full-time pastors could in-fact make a positive change in this world. I have scars from some pastors in the city of Lexington who left me for dead. But I also met pastors who saw my weakness and who picked me up. I pray that those pastors find strength. They are the lights that are shining bright in a dark world. Pray that those lights will know that God will never leave them, even through difficult times. Pray that those lights keep on shining.
But again, a strength of Lexington pastors is they certainly know their bible. They know how to respond when difficult times come. They know what to do and how to achieve it. Such is a good and positive point to have.
With that said, I will leave both regions to let God judge. God knows all about it, and what to do, and how to respond. As a human being, I can make mistakes. Therefore, it’s best to let the judging in God’s hands. All we are told to do is be obedient to Him and His will.
