• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Bio
  • Bookshelf
    • Audio
    • Complete List of Chautona’s Books
    • The Rockland Chronicles
      • The Vintage Wren
      • The Aggie Series
      • The Hartfield Mysteries
      • Sight Unseen Series
        • Sight Unseen Series Archives
      • The Agency Files
      • Christmas Fiction
    • Legacy of the Vines
    • Meddlin’ Madeline
      • Madeline Blog Archive
    • Ballads from the Hearth
      • Ballads from the Hearth Blog Archive
    • Legends of the Vengeance
    • Journey of Dreams
    • Wynnewood
    • Webster’s Bakery
    • The Not-So-Fairy Tales
    • Heart of Warwickshire
  • Start HERE
    • If You Like…
    • Characters
    • Suggested Reading Order
    • Free Books
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Podcast
    • Advertising
    • Podcast Guest Information
    • Podcast Interview FAQ
  • Merch Shop
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • Bonus
  • Speaking
  • New & Coming
Chautona Havig

Chautona Havig

Using story to connect YOU to the Master Storyteller

Why Is It That People NEVER Read?: A Rant

by Chautona Havig · 24 Comments

The post appeared in my feed. Just a short story about how my friend’s mail guy had a Monday Moment and took out her mailbox—splintered post and all. She posted with just a picture and a comment that read something like,

“Pray for our poor mail guy. He’s having a tough day today.”

Followed by cute hashtags, of course. Things like #MondayMadness or whatever.

Then it got interesting. Someone asked what happened. My friend said she thought his mirror caught the box and just ripped it right off.

And what was just a simple request for prayer became a slew of unsolicited and unhelpful advice.

“The Post Office should pay for that!”

“You need to report him!”

“That’s so wrong!”

Ad nauseum.

She tried to explain that she hadn’t posted to rant. She wasn’t trying to blast the poor kid. Being human and having made mistakes herself, she just wanted folks to pray for a kid who had a rough day and needed a bit of encouragement.

Don’t know about you, but I see it every day.

The post appears. “Should I be antsy and unable to sleep at night if I take B vitamins in the morning?”

The answer follows.

“B vitamins are great for energy. Try taking them in the morning so you have the energy all day and can sleep at night.”

*Blink*

Look, I get it. People sometimes misread something. We’ve all done it. But I have to ask:

Why Is It That People NEVER Read?: A Rant

Note: links in this post may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

Why Is It That People NEVER Read?

I’m sure it’s been a problem since before the internet, but I have to say, I have noticed it more since being online. Message boards—that’s where I first noticed. Someone would say that her husband wouldn’t ever eat rice or beans in any form, but she needed to find meatless meals to stretch the food budget. I guarantee you half of the responses would include rice and beans.

Facebook isn’t any better. I see it almost every day. You know, it reminds me of that verse in Proverbs 18—

He who gives an answer before he hears, It is folly and shame to him.

Yeah. That.

Because, you know, these folks do look rather foolish when they answer with the very thing the person said wasn’t a factor. “What movies are there about fairy tales that aren’t done by Disney?”

“Oh, you want to check out all the Disney princesses. They’re all well-known fairy tales.”

*insert head banging here*

Of course, with my love for the book of James, I also can’t help but throw in James 1:19 here:  This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;

“Swift to hear. Slow to speak.”

Those are important words.

Basically, we need to listen.

Period. We need to focus on the words someone has said (or written). Pay attention.

Too often we’re doing the opposite—formulating our response based on a few keywords as the person began to speak. We answer what we think someone said because we spent the whole time they were talking coming up with our own 0.02.

How rude.

And, of course, I can’t help but wonder…

Do I do that with God? *don’t answer that*

No, really. Do I?

I mean, He’s spoken. The Word is there. Laid out for us. In black, red, and white. But we’re so busy spewing our own opinions about things that we only take a few words, grab onto them, and formulate entire life plans based upon words we like instead of the whole counsel of God—the entire Bible.

Forget that. Half the time we don’t bother to read a whole passage. We’ve created entire theology systems based on pulling a few words out of context and saying, “See! This is what God wants for you.”

Is it me, or does that sound like answering before you hear all of the story—like “not reading” the whole thing before coming up with a solution? Or, in other words, like seeing that the mail guy knocked over a mailbox so that must mean this post is about what an idiot he is and urging the box owner to demand restitution from the Post Office?

What’s the solution? I don’t know. But I do think one big key is knowing the Word—all of it.

I’ve been doing this Bible in 90 Days Plan.

It’s tough. Really tough. We’re talking about fifteen chapters a day—give or take. It’s a lot to read, but I’m seeing things I’ve never seen before. And one of the things I’m seeing is the big picture.

So often we dig down deep into a verse—a word, even. We want to extract every nugget and morsel from the Bible that we can. And that’s a good thing!

However, when we do that, we tend to get tunnel vision—forest-for-the-trees syndrome, as it were. Reading it fast means you don’t have time to dig deep, and it shows things that you miss at other times.

Reading like this also shows everything in context. I’m seeing the whole context of the law. Not just the rules and the sacrifices. I’m seeing God calling His people to holiness—one they’ll never achieve without a Messiah to save them. Without Jesus.

And we’re called to that same holiness today.

“Be holy for I am holy.” And there’s only one way to do that. Lose ourselves in the Word—to let it infuse us until it is the first thought in any situation.

We need to learn to be still before the Lord. To look only to the Word to know what God wants from us. If we just listened to it… If we followed only it. Just the Word. If we didn’t “answer a matter” before we read all of the Word to know what all God said about it…

How beautiful would that be?

I feel a new book coming on. Taking what Dean learned in Corner Booth and expanding it in a new way… all from reading the Word.

Then again… Madeline is starting to do this in Fine Print. Maybe it’ll take off more in there. We’ll see, I guess.

Meanwhile, I’ve got fifteen chapters waiting for me. And, well, I need to go reread this post over on Facebook before I put in my penny’s worth. If I’m not careful, I’ll end up suggesting my friend get a post office box to save herself the hassle of reckless mail guys or something.

And wouldn’t that be rather ironic after this post? Annoying… and ironic.

Share107
Pin
Tweet
Email
109Shares
Share
Pin
Tweet
Email
109Shares

Related

Filed Under: Personal

Previous Post: « What Happens to Your Life When the Word Is the Standard
Next Post: More Unlikely Mentors & Their Incredible Lessons »

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Or, you can subscribe without commenting.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Bethany says

    July 24, 2020 at 11:34 am

    Corner Booth! I forgot about that one. And I can’t wait to read more Madeline…and pretty much anything you write, including blogs apparently. ?

    Reply
  2. Rebekah says

    January 23, 2018 at 4:10 am

    Ouch! And yes! And Amen! And wow! Definitely needed this reminder. I try not to do this, but I have done it. And I talk. Too much at times. Listening is a skill I need to strengthen and hone.
    I started over, trying again to read the Bible through this year. Sometimes I think doing it faster is easier than trudging along all year. But we all do need to know that whole story, Gen-Rev, inside out and backwards. There’s so much to be found in the “hard” books and in the overly-familiar books. The Book is Life. If we know it…so I’m off to read!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 23, 2018 at 4:08 pm

      YES! I’m hoping that doing this both at lightning speed and at a slow, steady pace… and then in my Bible study at a crawl (a chapter a week or so) will help me see everything so much clearer. I hope.

      Reply
  3. Jackie Hershberger says

    January 22, 2018 at 1:23 pm

    Sadly that happens all too often in far too many areas of life! A particularly hard struggle is the fact the hubby just can’t repeat what he said that I didn’t hear but goes off on some tangent that has nothing to do with nothing! Or I’m sharing something with him and he’s preparing his answer before he even knows what I’m talking about! Crazy!

    On another note, I’m doing the 3 month Bible challenge too, the I may be a little behind, I do have to say it’s opening my eyes up to things I have missed in other readings! Loving it!! I’m actually listening to it…faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God!!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 2:53 pm

      I’m listening, too! It’s super cool to do this. I’m so glad I decided to make it happen.

      Reply
  4. Grace Arnold says

    January 22, 2018 at 10:51 am

    Thanks, I needed that.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 2:54 pm

      Sigh. I did, too. It’s an easy thing to do, and I need the reminder myself.

      Reply
  5. MFLiteraryWorks says

    January 22, 2018 at 10:13 am

    Wow Chautona,
    That was really timely and good. Now, I’m challenged to truly read all the posts before I comment. I have seen what you said and I’ve been just as bad (I’m sure) at times.
    Thank you for sharing this. I’m going to strive to be more careful and aware of what is said before I open my mouth.
    I also loved your Bible reading challenge. I’d have a hard time doing that, at least at this time while I’m still working at the school. Of course, I guess I could make all sorts of excuses. Maybe I just need to be more organized and committed. I do have a devotional and Bible Study I do in the mornings, but they aren’t that long of passages. Thanks again!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 2:56 pm

      I’ll be honest. It is NOT easy. NOT. I’m a day behind right now. But, I’ll be caught up by tonight. Listening while I do things really helps. But wow. Sigh. Wish I’d done this before. I think I’m going to make it an annual thing. After all, it’s only one quarter. So, I think I’m going to come up with a reading plan for 9 months for the rest of the year.

      Reply
      • Chautona Havig says

        January 22, 2018 at 2:57 pm

        Look what I found! http://fpcfw.org/rb9m/

        Reply
  6. mommynificent says

    January 22, 2018 at 9:01 am

    Wow! How well said and how convicting! Thanks for sharing this. I read through the Bible in thirty days a few years ago while nursing a colicky miserable baby who was only happy nursing. It was life-changing to take in the whole thing so quickly! I saw connections I had never seen before, and the ONE BIG STORY of Scripture became so obvious.

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 2:58 pm

      THIS!!! This is what I’m talking about. It is lifechanging that way!

      Reply
  7. flocat says

    January 22, 2018 at 8:55 am

    I see all that you are saying. I have been frustrated about the inability for people to read emails, posts, texts, IMs since I’ve started using all those things. Sadly, I have been known to post an unthinking comment, so who am I to say this, but yes, it is very frustrating to go through the trouble of carefully writing a post, email, etc. only to have it not read and some odd answer come back. I have had long, long, long IMs with friends who don’t get what I’m saying, because clearly they are not reading. I have scratched my head at answers from bosses, because clearly they didn’t read all my email. AND honestly, I’ve probably done it too a number of times. I think reading on tiny screens is a problem, information overload and multi-tasking and just plain lack of discipline contribute to it all.

    I love what you said about picking and choosing from the scripture without reading (hearing) the WHOLE scripture. My husband and I were just reading a devotional by R.C. Sproul about prayer and building a whole prayer on what we want mixed with some little tidbit of scripture. And then being disappointed because we didn’t get an answer to our prayer.

    Excited to see how “your people” put this into practice as you write their stories 🙂

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:01 pm

      I feel your pain. I do. I have no doubt that sometimes it’s me–I didn’t write clearly. But when I know there’s no doubt that anyone should be able to understand, I have to accept that people just don’t care.

      I’m excited about this, too.

      Reply
  8. Paula says

    January 22, 2018 at 7:55 am

    I agree with you. We need the Big Picture: Christ is the thread through the WHOLE Bible, from Genesis 1:1 to the last verse of Revelation! He is the Alpha and Omega! He didn’t leave anything undone! He fulfilled every “ jot and tittle”. We Lutherans say the Bible is the Manger that hold the Savior!
    Thanks for this post. We really need to read and not just skim. Blessings!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:03 pm

      You made me think of this quote by Luther: “For some years now, I have read through the Bible twice every year. If you picture the Bible to be a mighty tree and every word a little branch, I have shaken every one of these branches because I wanted to know what it was and what it meant.”

      Reply
  9. Jessica Baker says

    January 22, 2018 at 7:53 am

    Ha! Love this post and have seen it myself. And probably done it myself once or twice and then had to put the “here’s your sign” on my forehead.
    I love that you’re reading the Bible in ninety days! that is amazing and time consuming and awesome. Are you going to redo it every ninety days?

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:04 pm

      I think I’m going to do it every year. 90 Days in the first quarter and then 9 months for the rest. http://fpcfw.org/rb9m/

      Reply
  10. Phyllis says

    January 22, 2018 at 7:52 am

    This is so true! And not just on social media. At work I’ll spend time writing a thoughtful e-mail to explain everything to someone only to have them reply with a question that is clearly answered in the second paragraph.

    Than you for the thoughtful post and the great way you pointed this back to the Bible.

    That Bible in 90 Days plan sounds amazing and crazy all at once. 🙂 I’m sure you will be greatly blessed by it!

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:06 pm

      RIGHT? I’ve even done that in a face-to-face conversation.

      “I think we should consider going to Lancaster for that. We can get everything we need at Costco or Smart & Final. And then we can go ahead and go to In-N-Out for dinner and be home before time to go to that movie.”

      “But where would we get that stuff in Lancaster?”

      *insert head banging here*

      Reply
  11. Andrea Stoeckel says

    January 22, 2018 at 7:30 am

    Hi there…yep….you and I have talked about this one before. Maybe they “skim it” and see what they want to….G-d bless ‘em

    Reply
    • Chautona Havig says

      January 22, 2018 at 3:07 pm

      Yep. Sigh. But you know what, staying aware of it might help us avoid it in ourselves. Or, I like to hope, anyway!

      Reply
      • April White Kliesch says

        January 22, 2018 at 4:18 pm

        Oh, you are so right about this! I talk way too much and my children have learned from me. We were having a particularly rough time with finishing a brother or sister’s sentance incorrectly and commenting on the topic without the person even finishing their sentance. The Lord led me to Proverbs 17:28 Even fools are thought wise if they keep silent, and discerning if they hold their tongues. I must say that it has been effective.

        Reply
        • Chautona Havig says

          January 22, 2018 at 4:47 pm

          Well, one thing I didn’t confess to is learning about talking too much the hard way. Somehow, reading, on the other hand, I usually don’t make that mistake (not that I never have… but usually that’s because my brain mixed up something or I got interrupted). In person, though. Well, you saw me. I chat. A LOT. *blush* Maybe that’s why I like you so much. You “get” me.

          Reply

Primary Sidebar

The Because Fiction Podcast

The Because Fiction Podcast
The Because Fiction Podcast

Taking the pulse of Christian fiction

Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
byChautona Havig

I had a chat with actor and author Henry O. Arnold a while back, and boy did we have a lot of fun. His Song of Prophets and Kings series features the advent of Israel’s kings from Samuel’s birth through David hiding from Saul (so far) and onward. Listen in as we chat about his most recent release, The Singer of Israel.

 

note: links may be affiliate links that provide me with a small commission at no extra expense to you.

What Made David Such a Man after God’s Heart?

I think this series will show us. I love that Henry O. Arnold started back at Samuel’s story to prepare us for the story of arguably the most influential king of Israel. Yes, Solomon was the wisest and richest, but David offered something that Solomon didn’t have. He was an average guy—a shepherd, no less—chosen by God to lead his country.

In a sense, it’s kind of the ancient Jewish version of a poor, everyday guy growing up to become President of the United States. If you know what I mean.

This five-book series is available as an eBook, in print, and as an audiobook, too! Henry read a snippet of it to us, and boy you get a feel for his love of Scripture and God’s people as he reads.

And if that wasn’t enough, he even gave us a hint of his upcoming Christian suspense/thriller “series. He says he has two books planned for sure, so… at least a duology, but maybe we can talk him into a trilogy at least? Get those odd numbers and everything?

The Singer of Israel by Henry O. Arnold

A singer’s voice inspires a troubled nation…A shepherd’s courage vanquishes a giant

The last official act of the prophet of Yahweh was to secretly anoint a replacement for the king of Israel who has been brought low by an unbalanced mind. The great prophet of Israel lives in fear of the wrath of the king. Then out of the hills of Bethlehem emerges the last-born son of a family of shepherds to become the unforeseen hero of Israel.

When David sings of the glory of Yahweh, this shepherd wins the hearts of the royal family and restores King Saul’s troubled mind. But when the singer/shepherd defeats the champion of the Philistines in single combat, David becomes forever known as “the giant slayer.” Saul quickly sees that David is now a threat to his kingdom and secretly plots to have him killed.

David may be the champion of the people of Israel, but he must live under the constant threat of Saul’s wrath until he is finally forced to flee for his life.

The Singer of Israel is a tale of triumph and tribulation, deepest love, and burning rivalries; the new epoch is given a voice…and it is The Song of Prophets and Kings.

You can learn more about Henry on this WEBSITE.

Like to listen on the go? You can find Because Fiction Podcast at:

  • Apple 
  • Castbox 
  • Google Play
  • Libsyn 
  • RSS
  • Spotify
  • Stitcher
  • Amazon
  • and more!
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
Episode 215: A Chat with Henry O. Arnold
March 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 214: A Chat about After the Shadows with Amanda Cabot
March 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 213: A Chat about Daughter of Eden with Jill Eileen Smith
March 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 212: A Chat about Code Name Edelweiss with Stephanie Landsem
February 28, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 211: A Chat with Lynn H. Blackburn about Under Fire
February 24, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 210: A Chat with Jennifer Deibel about The Maid of Ballymacool
February 21, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 209: A Chat with Tracie Peterson about Remember Me
February 17, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 208: A Chat with Author, Hallie Lee
February 14, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 207: A Chat with Daniella Rushton about Portal Fantasy
February 10, 2023
Chautona Havig
Episode 206: A Chat with Lisa Phillips about Her New Spin-off Series
February 7, 2023
Chautona Havig
Search Results placeholder

Love Audio Books?

audio book ad

Check out the Sparrow Island novels. A tiny island with a lot of heart

independence islands series

Featured Books

A Ransomed Grete

A Ransomed Grete
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon Kindle
A Ransomed Grete
Buy now!

Twice Sold Tales

Twice Sold Tales
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Twice Sold Tales
Buy now!

Under the Hibiscus

Under the Hibiscus
Buy This Book Online
Buy from Amazon
Buy from Amazon Kindle
Under the Hibiscus
Buy now!

Upcoming Posts

Sorry - nothing planned yet!

Or just subscribe to the newsletter

Recent Blog Posts

  • Why I Can’t Wait to Read the Secrets of Sweetwater Crossing Series!
  • What Kinds of Lessons Can We Learn from the First People?
  • Why Would Anyone Send Beautiful, Thorny Roses with Strange Messages?

I buy my stickers here! (affiliate)

Custom Stickers, Die Cut Stickers, Bumper Stickers - Sticker Mule
Found this book at our local bookstore, Red Rock Found this book at our local bookstore,  Red Rock Books. It changed one direction of my next Bookstrings novel. I think we need more emphasis on picture books. So... this will sit around to inspire. 
#Bookstrings 
#bookishbooks
Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here th Reposted from @lornaroseboutique Annnnnnnd here they are!!! I’ve been anxiously waiting to see how they turn out, and they’re AMAZING!!! Gahh I love these post cards! 
If you love them too, you can check out the link in my bio!!

#digitalart #redbubbleartist #iloveart
When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squ When @kathleendenly offers to send an ARC, you squeal and accept before she changes her mind d. Eeep! I love her Chaparral Hearts series!
#AmReading 
#historicalromance 
#ChristFic
My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However, I My first Goudge this month was a DNF. However,  I found this while sorting my books in our home library and decided to read it now. Delightful. 
#yearofgoudge
#ChristianFantasy
Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to t Reposted from @susankbeattyauthor Take a trip to the Suamalie Islands where palm trees sway, the sand and sea pulse with life, and the people will steal your heart with Book 2 in the series, Wheelers Design.

Clay is messy and so is Sabrina’s life sometimes, but will God mold it into a work of art?
	
Wheelers Design releases March 28, but you can pre-order now: 

Pre-order the ebook copy now to get a special pre-order price of $2.99 https://buff.ly/3TPO7NT

Preorder the paperback copy to get 30% off plus free shipping. Just fill out the form https://buff.ly/40aLI2s 

#preorder #newrelease #cleanreads #contemporaryfiction
New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past New ARCs arrived from @tyndalehouse over the past couple of weeks.  Looking forward to reading this one by Cindy Woodsmall.  Haven't read anything by her in years. 
#AmReading 
#christianfictionreaders 
#ChristFic 
#amishfiction
Reading right now. It's so good!!! Reposted from Reading right now.  It's so good!!!

Reposted from @lisaphillipsbks ⏰ If you haven’t read Cold Dead Night, you can enter to win it! Plus 45+ exciting Inspirational Mysteries & Thrillers from a great
collection of authors... AND a brand new eReader :D
--
Enter 👉 via link in bio.
When you’re done, comment to let me know you’ve entered!
  • Home
  • Bookshelf
  • New & Coming
  • Blog
  • News!
  • Disclosure & Policies
  • Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Chautona Havig · All Rights Reserved · Coding by Gretchen Louise

Don't go before you grab your FREE short story collection!