https://proverbs31.org/read/devotions/full-post/2023/06/22/when-youre-tempted-to-judge-her?utm_campaign=Daily%20Devotions&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8pSG6uPKF5e79pmU4D7qXAvjpN2Z82288hQA8W9e3VQ1UFbaIkq9aSl-hZ0ddwNXPQcHjhh61HAwUIY35JchgKH1Mkyg&_hsmi=261222689&utm_content=261222689&utm_source=hs_email#disqus_thread

When You’re Tempted To Judge Her
June 22, 2023
by Lysa TerKeurst

“Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.” Philippians 4:5 (NIV)

Almost every day, I talk to people who are hurting for many different reasons.  When we’re in those places, one of the hardest parts is that we feel not only the pain of our hurtful situation but also the compounded hurt from others doing things that unknowingly add to our pain.  Assumptions are made.  Blame is assigned.  Labels are given.  Judgment is cast.  Whether we know someone is hurting or not, we can make a decision today: We will be people of gentleness, living out Philippians 4:5 “Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.”

Your co-worker?

Your friend?

The woman at Bible study who never seems to engage?

That stranger whose child is screaming in the grocery store?

The neighbor who always seems grumpy and complains about everyone on your street?

Maybe she’s processing some kind of pain you don’t know about. Or she’s trying to figure out something very complicated. Chances are that she is facing or has faced something challenging. How do I know that?

Because she is a human living in the same confusing, often chaotic, hard-to-understand world that breaks your heart and mine.  Instead of following our first reaction to label her based on what she is doing right now, let’s pray for her based on what she’s probably facing right now. And if possible, why not offer a rare voice of encouragement or an unexpected act of kindness?

We may not be able to help the whole world be a better place today. But why not help the ones God places right in front of us?

In my own life, there was a time when my heart hurt so deeply that not much helped. But I remember an ordinary day when one of my friends randomly dropped off dinner for me. She didn’t even ask to come inside. She just texted me that she left dinner on the front porch, allowing me to have my space while making sure I knew she was there for me.  I cried because I had just prayed for God to help me. And then my friend showed up. Even though the soup she made wasn’t the solution for what I was facing, I felt a lot less alone. And I felt seen by God.  You can love and help and pray for someone without knowing the full story. Help with an obvious small need. Make that phone call. Send that card you wish you would receive in the mail. Leave an encouraging comment on her social media. Stop by with her favorite coffee just to say hello. Pick a flower and place it where she can see something beautiful. I believe that when we suddenly find ourselves in the seat of suffering (and all of us will be there at some point), what we’ve modeled to others will often be returned back to us.  Judgment can end with us when gentleness flows through us. Together, let’s show someone a little less judgment and a lot more of Jesus today.

WHEN AND THEN

By Dave Veerman

When . . .
I gaze at the heavens
stars stretching night sky
my speck in the universe
wondering why

Then . .  .
Infinite, sovereign
eternal Creator
choosing, descending
lesser from greater

When  . . .
I look at my children
each miracle birth
once tiny, now grown
parent-sacrifice worth

Then . . .
Intricate embryo
in virgin mother
helpless infant, child
adolescent big brother

When . . .
I reflect on the journey
through life's twisting trail
love, pain, joy, sorrow
my humanity frail

Then . . .
Tempted, tried, tested
touching and teaching
with fierce opposition
broken lives reaching

When . . .
I know my rebellion
sin's profound cost
divine separation
accountable, lost

Then . . .
abandon, forsaken
nailed cross-tree
sin-bearer, the Savior
died there for me

John 1:1–5, 10-–14:

In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.

The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world . . .

He came into the very world he created, but the world didn't recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.

So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father's one and only Son.

When . . .
I ponder the limits
time, space compressed
God incarnation
eternally blessed!

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13265609/retired-vet-dead-garden-attacked-seven-dogs.html

Retired vet, 77, is found dead in his garden after being attacked by seven dogs including his own black Russian terrier: Detectives investigating father-of-three's death arrest 75-year-old woman

    Antony Harrington was found in his garden, his clothes torn to pieces by dogs
    Police unsure whether the attack contributed to his death or happened after
    Woman arrested on suspicion of owning a dangerously out of control dog

By Jon Brady

Published: 00:27, 3 April 2024 | Updated: 00:37, 3 April 2024

A retired vet found dead in his garden was attacked by a pack of dogs including his own pet, police say.  Antony Harrington was attacked by the scrum of animals, said to include his own black Russian terrier as well as several large Bernese mountain dogs, at his home in Little Packington, Warwickshire.  The father-of-three is believed to have suffered a cardiac arrest during the attack and was declared dead at the scene but detectives are still trying to ascertain whether the bites led to his death or if he was attacked after dying.  Sources said the attack was so vicious that scraps of Mr Harrington's clothes were found scattered around the garden; the tragedy has left his family 'distraught'.  Sources say Mr Harrington 'always loved animals' and that the other six dogs seized by police were owned by a friend living with him at the time.  But why the dogs attacked him still remains a mystery five months on from his death on November 25 last year.  'Tony always loved animals and had a huge black terrier of his own,' a source told The Sun.

'He was found in the garden and bits of his clothes had been scattered around the grass.  His family are distraught and hope the investigation can help them understand what happened.'

Mr Harrington ran a veterinary surgery in Birmingham's Hodge Hill called The Lodge with his late wife Louise from 1980 until they both retired.  A steam locomotive enthusiast, he helped to restore a 1914 traction engine that remains in use to this day, per his family's wishes.  The National Traction Engine Trust paid tribute to Mr Harrington on social media ahead of his funeral, which was held in Coleshill, Warwickshire in March.  Its post on Facebook read: 'We were saddened to hear of the death of Tony Harrington last November.  Tony was tragically killed last November and circumstances surrounding his death are still part of a police investigation.'

Following the incident, police arrested a 75-year-old woman on suspicion of owning a dog dangerously out of control. She has has since been bailed.  A spokesperson for Warwickshire Police, which is leading the investigation, told the paper: 'Enquiries are ongoing and it is yet to be determined whether the bites caused the death, or the man had died prior to being bitten.'

Last month, it was revealed that dog attacks in the UK had risen by a fifth in one year with police recording more than 80 incidents a day.  Police forces recorded 30,539 offences of a dog injuring a person or a guide dog last year increasing from 25,291 in 2022.  Responding to the increased scale of attacks, and a series of fatalities, cause by XL Bully-type dogs, the Government brought forward a ban on the dangerous dogs.

 

lyre

travel

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13108099/Keith-Office-dies-aged-50-Tributes-Ewen-MacIntosh-passes-away.html

Ewen MacIntosh who played Keith in The Office dies aged 50: Ricky Gervais calls actor 'an absolute original' as he leads tributes to comedian best known for his role in the hit BBC sitcom

By James Fielding and Arthur Parashar

Published: 09:23, 21 February 2024 | Updated: 12:42, 21 February 2024

Ricky Gervais today led tributes to 'absolute original' Ewen MacIntosh, the comedy actor best known for playing Big Keith in The Office, following his death aged 50.  MacIntosh was best known for playing a Scotch egg-loving accountant in Gervais' hit sitcom which became an instant comedy classic when it launched in 2001 and led to the creation of a smash-hit American version.  The Welsh actor, who also appeared in British comedies such as After Life, Miranda and Little Britain, had shared a photo of himself in hospital in February 2022 and told his fans that he was suffering 'bad times'.   Despite the enormous success of The Office, MacIntosh was declared bankrupt in 2016. Big acting roles were limited after this and he went on to find a new source of income, making special videos as Keith on websites such as Cameo during Covid.  His cause of death has not been confirmed but friends hailed the 'empathy and incredible care' of medical staff and nurses. MacIntosh, who is survived by his parents and brother, is not believed to have been married or had children.  Gervais led the tributes this morning, writing on X/Twitter: 'Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP.'

Talent agency JustRight Management confirmed the star's tragic death in a statement which said: 'With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.  His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home.'

The comedian's friend Ed Scott, an executive producer, paid tribute to those who looked after MacIntosh, writing: 'Thanks to the incredible care and love provided by the wonderful medical staff and especially the nurses who all loved him when he brought a smile to their days.  I saw first hand the empathy and incredible care they gave him was just so reassuring during the toughest of times and am forever grateful to them all.'

Mr Scott, the CEO of Dodged A Bullet Music, said he was 'completely devastated' by the loss of his 'very good friend', adding: 'He may have had a famous face known by millions as Keith from The Office but the person inside is what I will most remember.'

He continued: 'Ewen was so full of empathy, kindness, and integrity and above all a really good man.  Sending love to his parents Sara and Ewen Sr, his brother Colin and his family, as well as his many friends and fans.'

MacIntosh appeared in The Office from its first series in 2001, playing the role of an accountant with a passion for Scotch eggs.   In one iconic scene from the show between Big Keith and Tim Canterbury (played by Martin Freeman), MacIntosh hilariously takes a large, slow bite out of a Scotch egg while Freeman discusses performing a sexual act on himself.  In an interview with Vice in 2021, MacIntosh joked that he had no idea why Scotch eggs were chosen as his signature food and revealed the difficulties he and Freeman faced filming the scene.  My first scene with Martin [Freeman], where I eat the Scotch egg we had trouble doing that for some reason. It took ages to get that done. I got through a lot of Scotch eggs. I wasn't told about it. The props guy nipped out and bought them last minute,' he said.

As fans of The Office woke up to the devastating news, many have pledged to have a Scotch egg in the late actor's honour.  MacIntosh will also be remembered for a famous scene in which he is given an appraisal by office manager David Brent (Ricky Gervais).  As Brent lists off Keith's strengths and weaknesses, MacIntosh chews his gum and responds 'don't know' to everything he is quizzed on.   'Big Keith' had a monotone answerphone message and wanted to become DJ over being an accountant. Among his most memorable moments was when he dressed up as Ali G for Red Nose Day.  Despite a number of staff changes at the fictional Wernham Hogg paper firm, 'Keith' remained in the series until its last episode in 2003.  Out Of Office, The Office podcast, also said MacIntosh would 'always be fondly remembered firstly as a great guy, but also as a key part of the greatest British sitcom of all time. An excellent legacy to leave. RIP.'

As well as The Office, MacIntosh also partnered back up with Gervais when he starred in the final series of After Life as 'Buffet Man' a bloke who had been barred from an all-you-can-eat restaurant.  MacIntosh also featured in sitcoms Lead Balloon and Mongrels, while he had a small role in Yorgos Lanthimos's film The Lobster where he played a waiter opposite Colin Farrell and Olivia Colman.  As a comedian, he had a double act with Tim FitzHigham and the pair performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2007.  One of his final acting credits was when he played Lionel in the British romcom Finding Fatimah.   But it was Keith that MacIntosh will be best remembered for. He admitted in the Vice interview that people would often accidentally call him Keith instead of Ewen even on sets.  MacIntosh also said he 'can't really complain' about the popularity he gained from playing Keith as 'it's made me money'.

The actor would regularly send videos as Keith on the app Cameo.  Speaking about the demand on Cameo, MacIntosh said at the time: 'People always want a message from Keith, never from me. He's still getting me work, which is quite amazing when you think about it. When the lockdowns started, I was doing about 30 a week. Now it's down to maybe 10 or 20.'

TV channel Gold said: 'We loved him as Keith in The Office and were lucky enough to work with him over the years on the channel. Our thoughts go out to his family and friends at such a difficult time.' Comedy producer Gina Lyons wrote: 'Heartbroken to hear a very special friend Ewen MacIntosh has passed away. He was such an incredibly kind and funny person. Eternally loved.'

Following his death, tributes poured in from social media users, with many sharing his hilarious Scotch egg scene with Freeman.  One user posted: 'Really sad to hear about Ewen Macintosh RIP. He was so brilliant in The Office as the scotch egg eating DJ accountant.'

Another wrote: 'Terrible news about Ewen MacIntosh, aka Big Keith from The Office. He turned what could have been a nothing role into something truly iconic, one of the great comedy performances. RIP.'

A third said: 'How incredibly sad. So many iconic moments in The Office. I only ever heard lovely things about him from people who had worked with him.'

And a fourth, sharing a clip of the Appraisals episode, posted: 'Sad to hear the news about Ewen MacIntosh - thanks to him for one of the best scenes from the UK Office. Never gets old.'

Others vowed to have a Scotch egg in MacIntosh's honour. One wrote: 'Rip Ewen MacIntosh aka Big Keith. I'm going to dress up as Ali G, have a Scotch egg, rewatch The Office as a tribute.'

Another wrote: 'I'll have a Scotch egg later for Big Keith.'

A third shared: 'Ah man this is sad. Saw Ewen live supporting Ricky Gervais and he was extremely funny and entertaining with his dry and dead pan humour. Rip Keith mate. I'll have a Scotch egg for you.'