Comments on: Can Spin Be Redeemed?

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 23:34:10 +0000

Here’s what spin-less advertising would look like:
http://honestslogans.com/image/16415201896

By: shari

shari — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 19:08:55 +0000

You should have left it Brian- I went a looking for it- that’s so funny. We love our Carters!

Elise, I loved your point that it takes time to care for people and offer them specific encouragement. Just today I said “you’re amazing” when I could have detailed what I appreciated specifically- because it was a quick text- it takes more time. Time that I could probably have given. Thanks for the reminder.

By: Elise

Elise — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 18:33:34 +0000

I love the sincerity of the last several blog topics, it’s a refreshing reminder of how human we are and that everyone else is too.

Too often people are afraid to ask questions and show their “morning face…or back” and these blogs have allowed for the conversation to be opened.

I remember a previous blog post that talked about avoiding generic encouragement statements and that post is a constant voice in my head when I do want to show someone some love.

It is easy to say things like: “Your the best, I love you, etc…” because in that you don’t actually have to get to know the fun details of people.

I don’t think God cares about the COSTCO size brand of Christianity that says I have to use generalized superlatives because there are so many people that need encouragement and building, it takes too much time to be specific.

I believe He wants everyone to get saved, be loved, encouraged, but that He has called a whole heck of a lot of us to do it. So the opportunity for individual connection is not lost.

Thanks again, I love the tone of these fun flavored truth blogs sprinkled with the tiniest bit of snark.

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:28:45 +0000

SUPER FUNNY – about me typing Micahn instead of Micah. My fingers are more used to typing Micahn’s name than Micah as a reference.

Fixed it.

By: Sabrina Young

Sabrina Young — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:18:06 +0000

I really have loved these posts on spin! I love point number 4, I think the more we focus on promoting others rather than ourselves, the more God will promote us. I do think, however, that we have to be careful to not cross the line of flattery. Flattery hides in just enough dishonesty to inflate their ego and give them a slighted picture of what the truth is about themselves. Like those American Idol try-outs who are HORRIBLE, yet you know someone was in their ear saying, “You have the best voice ever!” It sets people up for disappointment and unrealistic expectations. And, if we are honest, our motives are usually selfish when we use flattery… We just want people to like us or we want to get something out of them… It’s typically a form of manipulation. Encouragement, however, is bringing truth to someone’s heart to give them courage to walk boldly in who God created them to be… But if we exaggerate those truths, it turns to flattery, and flattery just feeds pride and inflates egos (which sets people up for a fall).

Also, I had no idea Micahn wrote scripture! I laughed when I read the reference because it took me a minute to figure out if it was a quote by Michan or if you typo’d a scripture reference! Ha!

Good thoughts Brian!

By: Andy

Andy — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 17:07:30 +0000

Spin others more.

Yes.

Amen.

Preach.

Less self-promotion & more elevating others please.

By: Shawn

Shawn — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 16:34:01 +0000

PB, I love that you’ve taught be to balance spin with the ugly truth. It’s so easy to take a verse like Jeremiah 29.11 or Romans 8.28 and spin them to make people feel like their Christian life should be a walk in the rose garden…but it’s not. Both of these overspun out of context verses are in the midst of passages expressing present or pending upsetting news. There’s tension.

Spin happens. Maybe it’s redeemable if it helps pull us into the truth.

Thanks for teaching me and being a great example to me over the years. I love you PB.

By: Brian Dolleman

Brian Dolleman — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:57:16 +0000

OK Shari. But I still want you to wear makeup. Haha! Love you.

By: shari

shari — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 15:53:44 +0000

“Listen to the quiet voice” and “tap the breaks”. I’m going to remember these phrases today. I think Sister Angela would have no use for spin because she has nothing to prove. She’s wrapped up in Jesus, in surrender, in seeing the beauty around her. She doesn’t have a need to get ahead or posture herself. Hers is a life of surrender. How I learn from her. Thanks for the reminders Brian of a very moving experience for me. I’m so thankful you’ve supported my dreams Brian. I love you.