God bless you and welcome to the website for Scriptural Study Groups, located in Central Ohio.
This website is designed primarily for the use and convenience of those who participate in Scriptural Study Groups, and therefore some sections might not be applicable to all visitors. However, we hope that the Scriptural resources will be of benefit to all who desire a deeper appreciation of the Word of God.
Scripturally Speaking
Missing the Mark
When I was in fourth grade, my teacher initiated the concept of weekly handwriting awards. This was long before the digital age, and I suspect this was her response to dozens of illegible homework assignments. The good news was that previous recipients were ineligible for future rewards. Everyone had a chance to be a winner!
As the weeks went on, I witnessed other classmates be acknowledged, until finally no one remained unrewarded but me. Then my week came … and Patty DiMinno won her second award.
Did this sting? Absolutely. I was embarrassed. But the truth is, it was an appropriate assessment of my handwriting, which was indecipherable (and still is). There was no question anymore — when it came to handwriting, I had failed.
Human beings don’t like the idea of failure. It makes us uncomfortable. So we hand out “participation trophies.” As adults, we are bombarded with messages asserting that we are all winners. We are told that there is no such thing as “the truth,” only “your truth,” so none of us is wrong. But is this honest? Is this truly helpful?