Have you heard the story of the Tower of Babel? It takes place in the ancient city of Babylon and its account is recorded in the bible, book of Genesis 11:1-9.

The short version goes something like this:  Man kind had decided to build a tower reaching into the heavens. Not to glorify God, but to glorify….uh, themselves. As a result, God “confused” their language and the tower was never finished.

Now whether your a believer or not, whether you agree with the outcome of the story or not you can not deny that since that record what the world has developed into is nothing short of - Babel.

The biblical account is an explanation of the variety of different languages we have in this world but it doesn’t stop there - does it? Its one thing for two people to speak different languages and have difficulty understanding each other but what about when the person your talking to speaks the same language as you….and yet you don’t understand each other?

Its kinda funny really, but over the course of these last few months this account of the Tower of Babel has been ever present in my mind due to totally separate events that have happened to me through one on one conversations, emails, chat, texts, etc. Different people, different methods of communication, all speaking the same language….yet not understanding each other and what is being said. Because communication and the understanding of it goes far above and beyond what is said verbally doesn’t it. We communicate with each other in more ways than just verbally and when we can’t “see” each other’s face or body language or “hear” the tone of what’s being said the result is often hurt feelings, misunderstandings, frustration…..conflict.

Don’t get me wrong, technology can be great, I use email, text, write blogs, participate in discussion groups, chat and send and receive messages all the time. But its also generally through those avenues of communication that I find myself in the most trouble. And it happens for different reasons. You can type something that to you seems totally funny, absolutely hilarious…..and the person reading it is getting mad or offended or simply isn’t laughing. I get bit on that allot! Primarily for two reasons: #1 I find humor in not necessarily what is said but how its received. How people respond to things is interesting to me. So even though the joke may be lame, if someone responds to it in a funny way….I’m gonna laugh. Oddly enough….some people don’t like that. (kinda weird, huh? lol) For me, watching your reaction or reading of your reaction to something I’ve said or done lets me know how confident a person you are and who I’m talkin’ to. So, if I tease someone a bit over something they’ve said or done and they come back with a sarcastic or smart a$$ remark, I know that whoever it is has a pretty solid self image and…..I can relax and be me without the worry of offense. I tend to gravitate towards people like that. If the response is that of offense….I move away, ’cause I’m not really out to offend. Get it? And in person doing that with people is a lot easier! People can see the expressions on my face, they can see my body language and 9 times outta 10 they get it quick…..and relax too. You’d be surprised by the number of people that have told me that they enjoy just hangin’ out with me because they can say and do what they want and not worry about offending. For me, its almost a personal requirement. If I can’t relax and be me….one of us has got ta go! And like I said, my intent isn’t to simply offend…I’m trying to figure out who you are and what your made of. If you know that about me then when you are cross over something I’ve said you know you can come to me, tell me and I’ll fix it. People that cry offense and then don’t wanna talk about it? Aren’t worth worrying about, in my opinion. Which is why on rare occasions I simply wish people the best of luck and go away…

The other reason or #2 I should say, is that in some areas of communication I’m kinda…..socially retarded. The net is a GREAT place ta “hook up” apparently…..and that’s cool, ‘cept….I’ve been married the majority of my adult life and have never really “dated”. So….for me acknowledging that a woman is attractive is…..”hey, your lookin’ good girl!”…its a COMPLIMENT!!! and for those who are paying attention to my posts or comments….its rarely done and when it is, its pretty random. BUT guess what…..some women actually think that statement means I wanna “hookup”!!!!??? They could be located a thousand miles away from me, doesn’t matter, I compliment them and the next thing I know….I’m gettin’ a chat window poppin’ up!?? Some women, just by adding them as a friend, to them, means I want cyber-sex!??? And…..lol, I uh…find it all kinda funny, strange, sad, pathetic….I dunno, just weird.

The single dating thing just seems weird ta me anyway. Ma lady and I were talkin’ about that the other day. Some people really think a lot into little stuff. And…well, I’m a retard when it comes ta that stuff, so I miss stuff like that all the time. A look or a glance or a gesture that to me doesn’t seem like anything. To a single woman or man they may take it differently. Ya know its kinda weird, I talk to people, always have. I don’t really think about it. It comes easy for me. And I don’t care how ya look, I talk. But what I’ve found out is that if that person is single, guess what….they think your coming on to them! (roflmao!) Its gotta be the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard! But its true.

So hey, MAYBE Ima little “old school”…..for me, if ya like someone, you send flowers, write poems, send songs, etc. NOT simply take the time to be cordial and say hi! Makes me kinda wonder what women these days are settling for???

Babel. So the world has changed a bit and its something I’m slowly getting used to. Up until recently….I didn’t get it. Writing a book, having a website, being a part of a discussion group….I talk to a ton of people. For the most part, I say what I want. When it comes to my lady, no worries, she knows she’s married to a social retard. But other people? Its just mind numbing some of the “stuff” they come up with. The little misunderstandings, misinterpretations, assumptions and unwillingness to simply ASK that surprises me.

Throw relationships into the mix of chat, email, messages, text, etc. and you got the makings of a real good time or a nightmare. Couldn’t count how many times I’ve had to ask or been asked by one of my friends if they were mad at me. Seemingly innocent stuff, TOTALLY misunderstood. Luckily enough my friends, having gone through the “backbone” test I pre qualify them with, call me or meet me in person and ASK. Then the matter is settled and we move on.

On the flip side, email, chat, text, etc. can be very cool! I’ve found that when you are upset with someone…..sometimes its easier to get your feelings and emotions out through a well thought out email or a engaging chat. It just depends on the situation and people involved.

At any rate, regardless if your speaking the same language, with this “new communication” you may find yourself….not communicating and not understanding each other. So, tread lightly and when in doubt ASK! If your not willing to do that, then you place no value on the person your talking with and one or both of you needs to go away. Its that simple.

The tower of Babel wasn’t  recorded to simply frustrate and confuse. It was recorded as a reminder to the difficulty we have in communicating with each other and that our reliance should be on God. And when two people are speaking the same language and not understanding….sometimes the clarity of the situation comes to each of them through prayer. Uh ya, PRAYER! Strange? Maybe, but I’d be lying to ya if I didn’t say it. Sometimes when things are tough and your in the midst of “it” the understanding of what is going on doesn’t come through words, expressions, emails, texts, chats, messages, etc. Sometimes it takes a little more than those things for you to get it. Get it? The QUICKEST way to understand a person or a situation is through prayer. Not lookin’ for “brownie” points from the pastor here, sorry if the term bugs ya, just….its true. So whatya pray for? UNDERSTANDING in the circumstance or situation your involved in! People, friends, family, relationships that are willing to take it to prayer……stay a part of each other’s life.

Babel. God’s way of saying, you have communication issues, seek me for understanding…..make sense?

If it doesn’t then your retarded and I mean that in the nicest way possible! (lmao!…..see, now I find that funny!:)