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At Loggerheads

At Loggerheads

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At Loggerheads--loggerhead turtle on sandAt loggerheads has nothing to do with loggerhead turtles. Although we might enjoy finding the so-ugly-they-are-cute turtles, they give no insight into the idiom. Unless they fight.

At loggerheads means in conflict.

We disagree or argue and fail to resolve the problem. Probably one of the best-known examples of conflict between families is the Hatfield and McCoy feud.

Usually no one wins when at loggerheads.

As with the Hatfields and McCoys, strong disagreement often causes great suffering on both sides including violence or death.

In addition to families, quarrels or disputes occur among:

  • Friends
  • Co-workers
  • Countries
  • Organizations

The Free Dictionary gives two possible origins for the expression.

  1. “A ‘logger’ is a 16th-century term for a block of wood, so a ‘loggerhead’ is a blockhead or fool.”
  2. Loggerhead is also a late 1600s term for “a long-handled iron poker with a bulb-shaped end that was heated in the fire and used to melt pitch.” This “may have been alluded to as a weapon.”

Rather than remain at loggerheads, let’s seek solutions.

  • Compromise when possible.
  • Agree with the other person when we realize we are wrong.
  • Stand firm when necessary.
  • Follow Jesus’ example of self-giving love.

“Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs” (Proverbs 10:12 NIV).

Thanks to Sarah Burns Hampshire for the suggestion. Photo by Amy Farías with Pexels.

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Give Birth to Something

Give Birth to Something

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Give Birth to Something-Mary, Joseph, Jesus

Some people complain about problems. Others give birth to solutions.

They:

  • Try to make life better
  • Explore changes
  • Work to make those changes happen

Kate Thomas, a writing friend, gave birth to the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in 1996. She knew Kentucky writers needed training and encouragement. Her conference offers help to writers every year.

To give birth to something means to begin something new.

People give birth to new:

  • Ideas
  • Ways to work
  • Inventions
  • Schools

When God sent Jesus to earth, Mary gave birth to more than a baby.

Jesus came as:

  • Son of God
  • Prince of peace
  • The way of salvation
  • Hope for a hopeless world
  • Love for all people
  • Joy for the joyless

Jesus gave the gift of Himself.

Anyone who accepts Jesus as personal Savior receives a new birth.

God gives that person new life — eternal life. That is why Jesus came. That is what Christmas is all about.

Merry Christmas!

[Mary] “gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger” (Luke 2:7 NIV).

Do you have an expression you want explained or a thought about this one? If so, please comment below.

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Fly by the Seat of Our Pants

Fly by the Seat of Our Pants

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Fly by the Seat of Our PantsParagliders often fly by the seat of their pants. They depend on wind and weather for safety and success. Those can change quickly.

Sometimes airplane pilots must also fly by the seat of their pants.

  • They can’t see because of bad weather.
  • The plane’s instruments stop working.
  • They hope to arrive safely on a wing and a prayer.

Like pilots and paragliders, we occasionally face new challenges or problems. We can solve those several ways.

  • Organize our information
  • Explore possible solutions
  • Ask experts
  • Fly by the seat of our pants

When we fly by the seat of our pants, we:

  • Have no experience or skills with the situation
  • Do the best we can by ourselves
  • Work without a plan

Many people fly by the seat of their pants and do well. Some of us end up in a mess. Often those messes cause no great harm. At times, however, we hurt ourselves and others.

With our most important decisions, let’s choose a better way.

“As for God, his way is perfect; The word of the Lord is true. He shields all who hide behind him” (2 Samuel 22:31 TLB).

Have you experienced a fly by the seat of your pants moment? If so, please comment below.

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Photo courtesy of morgueFile.