How About “A Good Report”?

There’s an SNL skit that’s always made me laugh: “Debbie Downer”. She brings down the mood at every function by her fatalist negativity. What makes it so funny, aside from the effective role played by Rachel Dratch, are the elements of truth—because we all experience moments in life, even what should be celebratory ones, with a “Debbie Downer”.

 

Here’s an illustration I'll use right now from my personal sphere of writing at my home desk:

 

~~~~~~~~~~

(I look out the upper landing window)

 

Me: The trees look so majestic and lovely today.

 

(Somebody looks over my shoulder)

 

Downer: Wind is going to take one of those down someday; it’ll smash the house and could kill somebody.

 

*wah-wah sound effect*

 

(A minute later, I half-stand, leaning over the top of my desk to watch a family of deer meander right below)

 

Me: This never gets old! Living in the woods. I enjoy watching the deer. They take this path every day. Aw, look at the littles…

 

(I point to the fawns)

 

Downer: That’s where your ticks are coming from. They’re destructive animals and nothing but a nuisance. Wish they were useful and do something about the snakes around here.

 

*wah-wah sound effect*

 

(I thump back down in my seat with a sigh, trying to compose myself. I smile and try again)

 

Me: I love how the sun sparkles on the water down there. It’s like the creek is winking at me.

 

Downer: A forest fire could rage through your whole little piece of property here and even that creek would be nothing but an arroyo.

 

*waaaaah-wah sound effect*

~~~~~~~~~~

 

That’s just a sad example, but you get the idea.

 

The Holy Spirit got me thinking the last few days about the importance of a “good report”. And last night, he kept nudging me. I’d wake up and I’d literally hear these three key words: of good report. So, this morning, I looked it up and found it in Philippians 4:8.

 

“Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honourable, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.” (ERV)

 

Think on these things…

 

There is power in positive testimony. This is where we find growth and transformation. We’d also find healthier connectivity with others. If we get stuck in a cycle of negativity or complaining by adopting a general attitude of wah-wah, then we stay stuck. But if we want to walk steadily in faith, then this verse is a rampart. Because we have options. When faced with a Downer, you can allow yourself to be pulled down by them and also become pessimistic. You can ignore them yet permit some silent festering, which tends to grow uglier and more damaging in the long run. You can acknowledge them yet combat any negatively charged comments with more of your own positive spins which, honestly, can be an energy suck. Best of all, you can go to God’s Word for help in being a person of good report.

 

If there be any virtue…

If there be any praise…

 

We must look for the good things in situations, even when it might be a challenge to do so.

 

Holy Spirit, help me find your goodness in what’s in front of me right now. Help me to think on these things. Amen.

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