Thinking is something that every human being has in common. It is what sets us apart from the animals, birds, fish, and various bugs. In science it is called sentience or self-awareness. The French philosopher, Descartes, concluded, “I think, therefore I am”.
I have seen many social media post and heard many well-meaning Christians that claim that our thoughts do not define us. I suppose it is a matter of perspective. Fleeting thoughts do not define a person. Lingering, deeply imbedded thoughts that are the core of our belief system DO define us.
So I was thinking…
Over the years there have been several people tell me that it is the sum of our experiences that make us who we are. As hard as I have tried, I find it almost impossible to argue with that. I was raised in the western panhandle of Texas. My mother was a woman of strong faith and my father was a man of few words and a strong work ethic. My siblings and I each grew up to be variations on the combination of those very strong traits. Being in the middle of five - the two older being boys and the two younger being much younger - led to me exercising my rather vivid imagination quite often.