Monday, August 19, 2013

Like Water Off A Duck's Back

Just in case you have forgotten (and I can't see why you should  remember...) I dubbed 2013 The Year of Stepping Out. For that reason (and just because I feel like it...), I'm stepping out of my comfort zone today with a post of personal opinion.  Yikes!




And just in case you've forgotten (and I can't see why you should remember...) I've been teaching a unit on the Proverbs. We've spent the summer learning the characteristics of the wise man, and we've learned them exactly the way Solomon taught them, by comparing them to the characteristics of the fool. 

And do you know where I've gotten my examples for the study of the fool?

(OK, mostly from the pages of my own life story, but besides that...) I got them from watching the news.  Really, between the key players in current events and the talking talkers talking about them, just about every characteristic of the fool has been covered this summer. What a sad commentary on our culture...

Last week was no exception.  Had I written the stories myself, I couldn't have found a better illustration for this one:

The fool shows his annoyance at once, 
but the wise man overlooks an insult. 
~Proverbs 12:16


I call this story The Diva and the Duck Man, and it comes courtesy of none other than Oprah Winfrey and Jase, Duck Dynasty, Robertson, both of whom were victims of alleged personal offense. (I say alleged because Miss Winfrey's story has been strongly disputed by the Swiss Miss  accused of dissing the diva. )

If you haven't heard the stories, they're just a google away.

Let's put it this way:

The billionaire talk show host was mistaken for someone who couldn't afford a $38,000 crocodile purse and shown a less expensive one.  The millionaire duck man was mistaken for a vagrant and shown the door... as in kicked out of his New York hotel.

I can't imagine why...


This post isn't about the offenses, alleged or otherwise. You can decide how you might have felt in each situation.  This post isn't about feelings. It's about actions. 

First, there's the Diva. 

Now actually, Oprah's reaction shouldn't have surprised me.  She did what any good diva would do in such a situation. She looked down from Mt. Winfrey and saw the offense. What's more, she yakked her insult abroad to Larry King so he could be offended too.  Larry's cooperative like that.  It didn't take long for the slap in Oprah's face to be known world wide. Oh, the humanity!


And then, there's the  Duck Man. 

Jase looked at his story from a completely different perspective. Jase saw the humor.  He's a story teller, after all, and this was some funny fodder. As he tells it, he just circled around, came back in, and told his family.

They laughed.

Did it ruffle their feathers?  No. Did they fly off in a huff?   No again. They didn't complain to the management and demand an apology, either.   Hotel owner Donald Trump offered up an apology when he heard about it in the news, but Hunky McDuckman assured him no apology was necessary.



And that, as Miss Kay Robertson would say, is how it's done.  



What a contrast. 

Now, you probably have your opinion as to the difference between these two. I know that I have mine. I'll go ahead and spill it that I believe the major difference is spiritual.  Jase Robertson is full of the Holy Spirit. Oprah?  She's mostly full of  Oprah. That's how she got herself into this pickle.

(And it is a pickle )

Oprah was a victim alright; she was a victim of bad timing. She had no way of knowing that a long haired country boy from Louisiana would show up on the national scene the very next day with a study in contrast, a contrast that would make her look very much like, well, a fool. 

If I believed in coincidence, that's what I would call it. 
  Instead, I'll call it a teachable moment.

Not just to Oprah, of course, but to me. 
(What? You don't have diva moments?)

 Whether Oprah chooses to learn anything from the Duck Man is is her business. I truly hope she does. After all, it's better to be corrected than to have your next teachable moment smack dab in the middle of Proverbs 16:18. 


Pride goes before destruction, 
and a haughty spirit before the fall. 



52 comments:

Gaby said...

One of my favorites, Debbie. What a way you had of putting these two side by side and making a real life example of a proverb, showing that the ancient book is just as bit as relevant today as it was all those many, many years ago. I am going to share this one with my husband, the preacher, who enjoys your blog almost as much as I do. Almost.

Sue said...

Great posting, I couldn't have said it better myself.. You go Girl!!

Debbie said...

Oh was this ever a GREAT example of this proverb! I LOVED it. How I would love to be in your class! Have a good week my friend!

http://bitsandpieces-sonja.blogspot.com/ said...

of divas and ducks... this was WAY too good a lesson. It was exactly what I was thinking as I heard both responses, but you said the words, PERFECTLY!

Anita Diaz said...

You are brilliant, and what a comparison. Thank you for your wisdom and for having the guts to share it in this culture.

Denise said...

Teachable moment indeed! Imagine that God would create such a moment as this for you to teach us about the Proverbs. I couldn't agree with you more. It's all about the Spirit.
GREAT post. Great teachers. (You and God work well together).

Anita Diaz said...

Debbie, I would love if you put the share buttons at the bottom of your posts because I share them on facebook and it would make it really easy so others can share also:-) Love your writing!!

Renée said...

Bravo Debbie, you are still the best of the best! A movie ploy, yes...and what I've been humming,(and the tune we need to teach Miss O)..."It's a Small World"...after all.

Sharon said...

Yet another reason to love Hunky McDuckman???

You know, it's funny. Just the other day I was thinking about all these reality shows that are on TV. Especially those *Real Housewives* from various cities. How disgusted I am by all their self-inflated egos and self-absorbed lifestyles. And when I think of the money they make, when good people are out of work and losing their homes...well, it just makes me kinda ill.

I am NOT. A. DIVA. FAN.

Good lesson here, Debbie - may we take it to heart and weed out any *diva* behavior within our own hearts before we take that stumble.

Denise at Forest Manor said...

Oh Debbie, I'm so in awe of you for posting this! I feel exactly the same way, but never could have expressed it so eloquently. Even the title is perfect! :)

I will probably be banned from the internet and blogdom for saying this, but I wasn't surprised at Oprah's actions (had her figured out a long time ago). I imagine some extra publicity was due for her new movie, but I'm SURE that unworthy thought never entered her mind. :) And yes, I've had my diva moments too, but I don't earn a living from them.

Mr. Duckman just set a classy example for us ALL to follow; I was so impressed. And what a great sense of humor -- "facial profiling."

Thanks for having the courage to write and publish this post -- a teachable moment indeed.

Hugs,

Denise

Christine said...

Standing up and cheering!
Bravo!
You can share your personal opinion anytime because you say what we all feel and wanted to say.
Only you do it so gracefully and elegantly.

hidden art of homemaking said...

Debbie, what a wise woman you are!! this is so very well spoken...From what you have written here, I can tell your teaching on Proverbs this summer has had an impact on your life ...and now on ours too...This is an excellent post.and great insight...love it...
Love, Mona

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

I applaude you at this post.

Seriously well done and I couldn't agree with you more.

I do not watch television but I know those about whom you speak.

It takes guts to publically say this and I respect you very much for doing so.

The Bible is strong counsel and gives us wisdom beyond understanding, but this is CRYSTAL CLEAR.

Thank you!

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Can you hear a faint sound of applause and cheers coming all the way from Arkansas? Excellent post! So well written and such a great biblical lesson. You amaze me! laurie

Gina said...

Great post, Debbie! I didn't hear the story about the Duckman until now, but I certainly heard all about Oprah. You taught this lesson perfectly!

Ann said...

Ok, I decided to spend some time yesterday watching Duck Dynasty and I have to admit that I fell in love! I not only have laughed so much but then the light bulb would come on and I'd get what was said as well as the meaning...then I'd laugh harder because it was said in such a colorful way!

I now understand WHY the duck man reacted to the hotel clerk in the manner in which he did. AND having watched Oprah on and off through the years, I was not surprised with her reaction.

Well said and thought provoking, Debbie! I also agree you need "sharing" buttons as well as Pinterest buttons, etc.

Cheers!

Gayle said...

Great post, and so TRUE!

I have never watched Duck Dynasty (no real reason why) but maybe I'll take some time to watch at least one full episode and see what I think. I did hear the news of Jase being mistaken for a homeless man. (Go, figure. Wink.) And of course, I heard about the Diva.

We always hear about the Diva, because the Diva always makes sure we do. In my opinion, Oprah is full of herself and a real racist at heart. Makes me sad to say that, but it is my opinion, based on her words and actions.

Gayle said...

FYI - to those of you wanting to share Debbie's post, you can copy the link and paste on Facebook. It's a great one for sharing.

Vee said...

Never would have thought to contrast/compare these two stories, but I sure am glad that you did because it is highly instructive.

On another note, I talked my husband into watching last week's show on my A&E app. Neither of us know quite what to think other than that these guys would look great if they took Alan's approach. Something that helped a bit was listening to a CBN interview that Phil and Kay had done.

Lynn said...

How come I can't get past $38,000 for a PURSE??? That would pay off my house! Don't worry, I did get the message too though:@)

Anonymous said...

Wonderfully put, Debbie. But then, I would expect nothing less from you!

Anonymous said...

I took the above suggestion and shared on FB!

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

Such a great contrast, Debbie. Both could have been offended, but only the one with a chip on her shoulder was.

CAL said...

Amen!!!

CAL said...

Amen!!!

Sharlotte said...

Very well said...love the comparison!

Janettessage.blogspot.com said...

Applauding, applauding...you do have a calling girl
I had heard about duckman, via my hubby, and not the other!
It is a lesson I need to learn, I too often am offended too fast, and water off the ducks back is just what I need to do. If the Holy Spirit dwells in me then I have no excuse.

Great, great post...and girl, you can see my limp anytime...I am going to earn it!!!

Debbiedoos said...

You truly have to be the most engaging teacher around. I am sure I could learn a thing or two.

Barbara F. said...

Good for you, Deb, this post is so eloquent. Quite frankly, I am sooooooo tired of that "card" always being pulled. They destroyed poor Paula Deen. People need to let go already. And get over themselves. xo

elizabeth said...

What a great post! I've been on vacation, so I've been out of the news loop, but loved reading about this here. The comparison it offers is priceless!

Latane Barton said...

I loved this post and girl, you nailed it on the head! I do believe Miss O is sort of full of herself.

Diane said...

Very interesting! I have had a similar thing happen to me, as Oprah did (well, not a purse that was so expensive - a piece of jewelry). I was annoyed, so, I just never went back to that jewelry store. I found a new one that that loves taking my money - lol!! All of this to make another point. Sales people should not be so full of themselves, either. They should treat all customers the same. One of the richest woman that I have ever known used to always go shopping in blue jeans and sneakers. She was treated rudely like Oprah on many occasions and the store lost her purchasing power and the sales people lost their commissions. Everyone should just take a deep breath and treat others kindly and a sense of humor does not hurt!

Susan Nowell @ My Place to Yours said...

Glad you stepped out of your comfort zone to speak Truth. Renaissance Man and I had a fun, refreshing laugh when he told me about Jase's "facial profiling." My parents always told me that's what rounded shoulders are for -- to just let things slide right off instead of getting stuck there, becoming a bitter "chip on the shoulder." I wonder if Phil and Kay taught their boys that, too... Beautiful example of a Christlike response.

Angel @ Finding The Inspiring said...

What can I say that you haven't already perfectly said? Except maybe that this post is awesome, and so are you! :)

Savannah Granny said...

Absolutely loved this post. You are so on the mark. Something we all should hear and apply to our own lives so that we don't fall into the "Diva" trap.

I also bristled at a world that produces $38,000.00 purses and the people who purchase them. WHY?
I guess it boils down to " For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. " Matthew 6:21

Thanks for an awesome teaching moment! Sharing.
Ginger

Chatty Crone said...

I have to admit I am not exactly sure of what happened - I hadn't heart. But this I know - this is clever. And Oprah has really changed from the gal that she first started as - she is full of herself! sandie

Barbara Neubeck said...

..Great post, Debbie...wise words to help me think more charitably towards others.
Hugs and Blessings
Barb xxx

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

I just read this aloud to my Dave. I hadn't read anything about the flap(s) until just now. Dave, the Handsome Dynasty fan, asked, "Would you send that to me?" [I LOVE that!]

Kelley~

P. S. Our Firstborn got married last Thursday!

Mrs. Kelley Dibble said...

Ditto Anita. Add share buttons, please. =)

Donna said...

This is a great comparison about self-confidence and forgiveness of life's little slights. Miz Oprah is full of herself, and it is quite telling that she even confesses her neediness and insecurity. Oh, we're supposed to feel sorry for someone who was felt slighted because she can afford a $38,000 purse? Pul-leaze. Go away, Oprah. You have been polluting the minds of gullible people for far too long.

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

I'm so interested in reading this. What a smart post...and equally smart comments!!! Thanks!

Crickit said...

I had not heard about either story! Thanks for sharing and the comparison between the two... They couldn't be any more different.
The Robertson family are truly Christ followers and they are such a breath of fresh air.

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

This is a great post! I want to post it on FB for my friends and family to read.

I am so disappointed in Oprah. She could use her "power" to help bring about healing to our country with all the racial unrest, but no, she made it worse by digging up the past (back in the 50s or 60s) I was also hoping she would put the Paula Deen thing to rest (they were friends and Oprah had visited Paula's home) but no, she did not try to help her "friend." Proves her character.

Katherine

Debbie said...

Yes, Katherine, I agree on all counts. Regarding the Paula Deen thing with Oprah, I couldn't help but remember a quote from Martin Luther King Jr. that I have always loved:

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends."

corners of my life said...

Very nice post.
A teachable moment indeed.

Anonymous said...

Lovin' out duckmen and Miss Kay gittin' it done right! Oh - current events and opinions. Yes - took my shot today with the Miley debacle, as you saw, and it was quite out of my norm. But, the scriptures just kept coming to me - and I have always had strong opinions where training up the next generation via influence comes from.

Taking a break, my friend? Enjoy your time away and be renewed - we want you yakking again soon!

Hope you lurk, at least . . .

Joy!
Kathy

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

You know, I hadn't heard about the moment with Jase ... but of course, the Oprah "incident" was national news. Could it be because, as you said, Jase is full of the Spirit and Oprah is full of Oprah? A perfect study in contrast!

The Decorative Dreamer said...

Hey Lady! I just saw you are taking a break. I completely understand as I have done so myself. I am glad I had some time to go back and catch up with you this morning. Wow! I heard about the Oprah thing, shook my head and thought, Oh, good grief! Seems like she was just trying to add fuel to the fire as usual.. As for the Duckman, I missed that one. I am not one bit surprised that he was able to laugh it off and move on. Willy might have struggled with that one a bit though. Luckily, he has a great family to keep him from getting to full of himself. LOL! My husband always tells me to dress down and take our sons old pickup truck when I go to yard sales so I will get things cheaper. I never listen because somehow that just doesn't quite seem honest to me either. Several years of retail (yep, I'm working again) has taught me not to ever judge a book by it's cover AND that the way a customers attitude comes across usually is the biggest influence of what type of service they get! Retailers are suspicious of customers for a reason, we get ripped off ALOT! We are taught to watch for many clues, and I could see how a celebrity who may be trying to avoid public attention while shopping might cause concern to a business owner who doesn't recognize them. Great lesson and so wonderfully written! Thank you!

Southern Gal said...

What a teachable moment for my son. Thanks for sharing it!

bj said...

I tell you, girl...you just blow my skirt up with some of your posts..(and you tell me you are OUT OF WORDS to write...)
THIS post is probably, in the 6 years of blogging and reading blogs by the hundreds..nay...the thousands, my VERY FAVORITE.
So so many lessons here...like you said, why should we be surprised what Miss Full of Herself does or says...but every time she does or says something like this, I AM surprised. And, wonder why she isn't ashamed of her rich self.
On the other hand, I will confess that I don't watch DuckMan (we don't get the channel) and know very little about him or his REDNECK family but I am thrilled to learn from you today that he is wearing BIG BOY PANTS. Bless his heart...I am pretty sure success won't be going to his head the way it did to hers.
THANKS, DEBBIE...and plezzzzzzz
just rest and COME BACK...

bj said...

O, and I am about to post the link to your awesome post on my Facebook...:)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

First, I want to apologize for the trouble you're having leaving a comment at my place, and thank you for your persistence. I don't know if others are having problems are not, but I do know I want to get your comments. I miss you! laurie

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