Do You Go Both Ways?

I know this title seems awkward; however “Do You Go Both Ways?”  I can sometimes read something or hear something and say to myself, “hmmm this could go both ways.”  In other words, someone can say something or do something that can be interpreted with two different meanings. 

Here is an example of a comment on a post that I did awhile back entitled “Let’s Talk About Sex.”  The comment that I am referring to was from a great guy, and great student leader at my campus named Steve.  Many times Steve’s comments are very candid and you know I like candid.  You can check out his blog here.   

Steve says and I quote: “Scott ~ You sure write/talk differently than I’ve ever had in a pastor before!”  

I am saying to myself hmmm “This can go both ways.” 

What do the BigIsTheNewSmall readers think Steve meant by his comment? 

Do you find yourself in those conversations or situations that can go both ways?  

Steve, if you are reading, you can let us know what you meant; however wait until later on, so that we can get some guesses, thoughts and discussion.

  • http://www.manymeadows.blogspot.com Robin Meadows

    Scott, maybe he meant “you’re not normal”…oh, wait…. ;)

  • http://leopardatthesummit.blogspot.com/ Steve K.

    I was wondering where all the hits were coming to my blog from this morning … now I know! This could be interesting (another “go both ways” statement?!). I’ll post at the end of the day, after I see what others have to say! For now, I must travel to Duncan!

  • http://www.annameadows.com Anna Meadows

    mmm, that’s why I wanted your new tag line to say… Bigisthenewsmall… Did he just say that?

    You’re unconventional. It’s a good thing.

  • http://cindybeall.com Cindy Beall

    I’ll take a stab at it. I think Steve meant that you push the envelope and that you talk about things that a lot of pastors won’t. I’d take that as a compliment :)

    That’s it. That’s all I got.

  • http://www.nataliewitcher.blogspot.com Natalie Witcher

    Gotta agree with Cindy. I think too that he thinks you aren’t “churchy” you just talk real and like everyone else.

  • http://rollmentalcamera.blogspot.com roger

    You don’t hold up a mask as a pastor. You are who you are all the time. I see that with nearly everyone involved in LifeChurch and it is great to see.

  • http://www.michaelhigh.com Mike High

    Our life group is studying a marriage book by Emerson Eggerich. It is his follow-up book to Love & Respect about communication in marriages. He gives a great example of the differences in males and females and how we communicate. Here is one of his examples of saying the same thing and having two different meanings.

    Men go to the closet and say, “I have nothing to wear.” meaning they have nothing CLEAN to wear.

    Women go to the closet and say, “I have nothing to wear.” meaning they have nothing NEW to wear.

  • Scott Williams

    Kinda like Popeye: I am what I am…. I am who HE says I am!

  • http://dturn.wordpress.com david

    you are who we thought you were

  • http://solshine7.blogspot.com SolShine7

    I think he meant it as a compliment.

  • http://dturn.wordpress.com david

    people think that if you are a pastor you’re not a REAL person.
    unfortunately, we have done much to create this false image.
    Thanks for keeping it REAL!!

  • http://www.floatingaxhead.com michael

    you were in the prison system…
    .
    just goes to show we set our expectations and then wait to be surprised or disappointed.

  • Steve K

    Where do I begin?! I was thinking about what to briefly put on here, and while I could write an essay, that’s not the point of blogs – K.I.S.S.!!! But I WAS “speaking both ways” as I think many people do if they’re honest. “Double speak” HG Wells used to call it!

    I know you’re my pastor and I know you’re a “real person.” You ain’t perfect, I ain’t perfect, ain’t nobody perfect. I don’t know you very well – we’ve had lunch once and make small talk at church, but outside of that I “hear” you mostly via this blog.

    It was several weeks ago I wrote that, and I can’t remember the topic, but I’ve read you write about poop, penises, sex, “going both ways”, etc. – controversial stuff with innuendo. I have had pastors (lutheran, methodist, and first christian) really not feel comfortable about current events and “difficult” stuff – I applaud you for that! The other side to the comment is that I believe there is a time and a place for stuff like that. I don’t know if a public blog of a pastor is the best outlet versus a small group for that innuendo and “stuff” (maybe I’m wrong, I don’t know much for sure in life!). You never know who’s reading.

    I have led small groups, adult sunday school classes, and have been active in my churches. I’ve always felt that I need to hold myself to a higher standard if I am going to be in a position like that. I will miss out on some “fun” times, because it’s not “right.” Christians need to be moral, and not “existentialisic” (new big word I’ve learned recently!) Have I failed at times? You bet. I’ve been an idiot, done things I’m ashamed of, and am sometimes not quick to hold my anger. But I never stop striving to “be better.” I don’t know if this makes much sense in writing. Craig wrote something on Swerve recently too about how people can be mean to pastors and ministry leaders and not see them as “real” people. I don’t know if this has anything to do with you bringing this up on today’s blog or not. I don’t want to be the “mean” person, but I don’t want to be the “silent one” either that just tells people what they want to hear!

    Now hitting the “comment” button …

  • http://headyco.com Heady

    hmmm. i’m not going to comment on this because i read steve’s comment so now my answer want be as honest. i will say i’ve never really put two and two together to get four i.e. your posts being too “wild” being that you’re a pastor.

  • Scott Williams

    Steve- As I am reading through some old comments today, I realized that I never responded to yours. I’ll keep it brief: I personally would not talk about anything on my blog that I felt was outside of the standard of “being held to a higher standard.” We have to be clear on who God has called us to be and not others’ perception of who God has called us to be.

    Poop- That’s word that I use with my 4yr. old.
    Penis’ and Vaginas- Was quoting what someone else said…; however I would be totally comfortable talking about them on my blog or wherever.

    You should read the post and check out the video that we used in church, I entitled it “Satan Talks Sex”:
    http://bigisthenewsmall.com/?p=233

    It talks about masturbation, oral sex, homosexuality, premarital sex…

    Thanks for sharing your comment and not being the silent one.

  • http://www.yams.com TomPier

    great post as usual!

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